People who attack sports referees would face tougher penalties under legislation in the state Senate.
Under the bills, a person would face up to three years in prison and a maximum fine of $10,000 for attacking a referee. View the bills here and here.
“I think whenever you do that you’re inviting a riot, dozens of injuries, and probably even death,” said Sen. Rick Jones (R-Grand Ledge), who chairs the Senate Judiciary Committee
“It happens in other countries – we don’t want it to happen here.”
Jones’ committee approved the legislation on Tuesday, sending it to the Senate floor.
State Sen. Patrick Colbeck (R-Canton) voted against the bill in committee. He says creating a special class of criminal penalties for a specific profession is unfair to other victims.
A referee died shortly after being punched during a recreational soccer match in Livonia last year.