SPOKANE, Wash. — Finding referees to call youth sports games has been hard, largely due to how unsafe they feel around potentially violent spectators who are usually parents.
But it looks like the state legislature is trying to do something about that.
The House unanimously passed a bill that would protect referees, making it a Class C Felony to assault a referee.
People could face up to five years in jail, or a $10,000 fine.
Parents in Spokane say they’ve personally witnessed harassment and violence against youth sports referees.
PREVIOUS COVERAGE: ‘They need to feel safe’: WA lawmakers seek protection for referees in proposed legislation
The bill now heads to the state Senate for consideration.
CLICK HERE to learn more about House Bill 2079 and where it is in the process right now.
COPYRIGHT 2024 BY KXLY. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. THIS MATERIAL MAY NOT BE PUBLISHED, BROADCAST, REWRITTEN OR REDISTRIBUTED.