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.