OH SB118

Amends Ohio Revised Code section 2903.13 to classify assault against a sports official as a felony of the fifth degree when the offense occurs while the victim is engaged in official duties at a sports event or immediately before or after the event.

Classifies assault as a felony of the fifth degree when committed in retaliation for an action taken by a sports official while performing official duties at a sports event.

Defines "sports official" as any person paid or volunteering to enforce sports rules as a referee, umpire, linesperson, timer, scorekeeper, or similar capacity.

Defines "sports event" to include interscholastic and intramural athletic events at schools and universities, organized athletic activities sponsored by community or nonprofit organizations, and professional or semiprofessional athletic events.

Repeals existing section 2903.13 of the Revised Code and replaces it with comprehensive amended assault statutes maintaining previous penalty provisions for other categories of assault victims.