IN SB0008

Amends Indiana Code IC 35-42-2-1 to add athletic officials (referees, umpires, and officials certified by national certification programs) to the definition of "public safety or athletic official."

Battery against a certified athletic official while engaged in official duties is elevated to a Level 6 felony, the same penalty as battery against law enforcement officers and other public safety officials.

Expands battery penalties to include attacks on athletic officials performing their duties, subjecting offenders to enhanced criminal charges compared to battery against non-officials.

Effective July 1, 2014.