MS HB169

Adds athletic umpires to the list of protected persons whose assault triggers enhanced penalties under Mississippi law

Simple assault against an umpire during an athletic event increases maximum punishment from $500 fine/6 months jail to $1,000 fine/5 years imprisonment

Aggravated assault against an umpire increases maximum punishment to $5,000 fine and/or up to 30 years imprisonment (compared to standard 20 years maximum)

Protection applies specifically when the person is serving as an umpire at an athletic event at the time of the assault

Effective date: July 1, 2022