ASSEMBLY JUDICIARY COMMITTEE

STATEMENT TO

ASSEMBLY COMMITTEE SUBSTITUTE FOR

ASSEMBLY, Nos. 4444 and 4471

STATE OF NEW JERSEY

DATED:  JANUARY 19, 2023

      The Assembly Judiciary Committee reports favorably an Assembly Committee Substitute for Assembly Bill Nos. 4444 and 4471.

      This committee substitute upgrades simple assault committed against a sports official, player, or participant to aggravated assault if the assault occurs while the sports official, player, or participant is clearly identifiable as being engaged in the performance of the duties of a sports official or while being engaged as a player or participant; or while the official, player, or participant is traveling to or from a school or community sponsored youth sports event; or because of the person’s status as a sports official, player, or participant.  The committee substitute defines “sports official” as any person who serves as a referee, umpire, timer, scorer, coach, athletic trainer, manager, or assistant for a school or community sponsored youth sports event, or serves in a similar capacity but may be known by a different title, whether the person is compensated or a volunteer.

      Aggravated assault against a sports official, player, or participant would be upgraded to a crime of the third degree if the person suffers bodily injury.  A crime of the third degree is punishable by a term of imprisonment of three to five years, a fine of up to $15,000, or both.  If no bodily injury results from the assault, the assault would be upgraded to a crime of the fourth degree.  A crime of the fourth degree is punishable by a term of imprisonment of up to 18 months, a fine of up to $10,000, or both.  The upgrade to either a third or fourth degree crime is consistent with current law upgrading simple assault to aggravated assault if it is committed against other specified officials, officers, and employees, such as law enforcement, firefighters, and public and non-public school personnel.