OH HB208

Amends Ohio Revised Code Section 2903.13 to add enhanced penalties for assault when the victim is a sports official or when the assault is committed in retaliation for the victim's actions as a sports official.

Assault against a sports official engaged in official duties at a sports event, or immediately before or after the event, is a felony of the fifth degree if the offender has a prior conviction under the same circumstances.

Assault committed in retaliation for an action taken by a sports official during official duties at a sports event is a felony of the fifth degree if the offender has a prior conviction under the same circumstances.

For misdemeanor first-degree assault against a sports official, the court must impose a mandatory fine of $1,500 and require 40 hours of community service.

Defines "sports official" as any paid or volunteer person enforcing sports rules as a referee, umpire, linesperson, timer, scorekeeper, or similar role, and "sports event" to include interscholastic, intramural, organized, professional, and semiprofessional athletic activities.