H.B. 716 78(R) BILL ANALYSIS H.B. 716 By: Delisi Criminal Jurisprudence Committee Report (Amended) BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE In recent years, sports officials, including referees and coaches, have increasingly become targets of violent acts. Despite the fact that their official position often puts them in compromising positions, they are afforded few protections under Texas law. House Bill 716 raises the level of a crime against a sports official from a Class C misdemeanor to a Class B. RULEMAKING AUTHORITY It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, department, agency, or institution. ANALYSIS House Bill 716 amends the Penal Code to raise the level of a crime against a sports official from a Class C misdemeanor to a Class B. A Class C misdemeanor only allows a fine not to exceed $500. A Class B misdemeanor includes a fine not to exceed $2,000, a jail term not to exceed 180 days or a combination of the two. House Bill 716 extends this punishment to offenses committed in retaliation for or on account of the official's performance of duty. EFFECTIVE DATE September 1, 2003. EXPLANATION OF AMENDMENTS Committee Amendment 1 The amendment removes a coach, instructor, administrator, or staff member from the definition of a "sports official" for the purposes of the bill.