OH HB79

Amends Ohio Revised Code sections 2903.13 and 2929.13 to increase penalties for assault when the victim is a sports official acting in official duties at a sports event or immediately before/after, or when the assault is committed in retaliation for the official's actions

First-time assault against a sports official is a first-degree misdemeanor with a mandatory $1,500 fine and 40 hours of community service

Repeat offenders who previously assaulted a sports official face elevated charges of a fifth-degree felony

Defines "sports official" as any paid or volunteer referee, umpire, linesperson, timer, scorekeeper, or similar position enforcing rules at sports events

Covers sports events at all levels including interscholastic/intramural school athletics, community/business/nonprofit organized athletics, and professional/semiprofessional events