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Utah House Debate Centers on Tougher Penalties for Assaults on Sports Officials; Amendment to Broaden Protections Draws Fire
Summary
Lawmakers debated a bill to raise penalties for assaults on sports officials, including a contested amendment to replace 'sports official' with a broader 'special person' category; members split over whether stiffer penalties or better prosecution would reduce violence.
The Utah House spent hours debating a bill that would increase criminal penalties for people who assault officials at sporting events, with lawmakers divided over whether the problem is a lack of punishment or a lack of prosecution.
Sponsor Representative Hogue defended the measure as a response to escalating violence at games, arguing the bill targets organized, high‑risk events. "If you'll notice it says organized and lawful activity, and I would take that to mean organized activities organized under a league or, school play," Hogue said, distinguishing formal officiating from casual backyard games.
The most contentious moment came when Representative Urquhart moved an amendment that would delete most of the…
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