AUGUSTA - Rep. Michael Brennan, D-Portland, introduced LD 1401 before the Legislature's Criminal Justice and Public Safety Committee on Tuesday, which would make directing abusive, profane, obscene or slanderous language at an official or participant of a sporting event a civil violation, resulting in a $100 fine.
"It has become increasingly difficult to recruit individuals to become officials for sporting events in Maine," said Brennan. "At least one of the contributing factors is verbal abuse directed at officials. This bill helps clarify that uncalled for, abusive behavior at our local sporting events will not be tolerated."
The committee will hold a work session on the bill in the coming weeks.
Brennan is serving his third consecutive term in the Maine House, having previously served four terms in the House and three in the Senate. He represents House District 115, which includes a portion of Portland, and serves as House chair of the Legislature's Education and Cultural Affairs Committee.
Contact:
Brian Lee [Brennan], 305-965-2744