ASSEMBLY JUDICIARY COMMITTEE

STATEMENT TO

ASSEMBLY, No. 4176

STATE OF NEW JERSEY

DATED:  DECEMBER 12, 2024

      The Assembly Judiciary Committee reports favorably Assembly Bill No. 4176.

      This bill would upgrade any simple assault committed against a sports official for a school- or community-sponsored youth sports event from a disorderly persons offense to an aggravated assault.

      A disorderly persons offense is punishable by up to six months imprisonment, a fine of up to $1,000, or both.  Aggravated assault is a crime of the fourth degree if the person suffered no bodily injury, and a crime of the third degree if bodily injury occurred.  A crime of the fourth degree is punishable by up to 18 months imprisonment, a fine of up to $10,000, or both.  A crime of the third degree is punishable by three to five years imprisonment, a fine of up to $15,000, or both. 

      Under the bill, a person commits aggravated assault if the person is clearly identifiable as being engaged in the performance of the duties of a sports official or because of the person’s status as a sports official.  The bill 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.

      The changes to the law would take effect on the first day of the fourth month next following enactment.