Parents who attack referees at their children's athletic events will face toughened penalties.
BATON ROUGE, La. (AP) - Parents who attack referees at their children's athletic events will face toughened penalties.
Gov. Bobby Jindal's office announced Monday the governor has signed a bill increasing punishment for conviction of the misdemeanor crime of battery of a school or recreation contest official.
The crime had carried a fine up to $500 and a prison sentence up to six months.
The measure by Republican Rep. Cameron Henry, of Metairie, sets a minimum sentence of five days in jail. If the referee receives a serious bodily injury, the prison sentence is at least 10 days. The minimum fine also was raised to at least $1,000.
Anger management classes or other court-ordered counseling also will be required.
The new law takes effect Aug. 1.