BILL ANALYSIS                                                                                                                                                                                                    �



                                                                  AB 2457
                                                                  Page  1

          Date of Hearing:   May 7, 2014

                        ASSEMBLY COMMITTEE ON APPROPRIATIONS
                                  Mike Gatto, Chair

                   AB 2457 (Levine) - As Amended:  April 24, 2014 

          Policy Committee:                              Public  
          SafetyVote:  7-0
                        Arts                                  6-0

          Urgency:     No                   State Mandated Local Program:   
          Yes    Reimbursable:              No

           SUMMARY  

          This bill provides that a person who commits an assault or  
          battery on stadium or arena property on an event day is subject  
          to an additional fine of up to $1,000 for assault and $2,000 for  
          battery. 

          (This is in addition to the current penalties of up to $1,000  
          and/or six months in county jail for assault, and up to $2,000  
          and/or six months in county jail for battery.)

           FISCAL EFFECT  

          Negligible local law enforcement and incarceration costs, offset  
          to an unknown degree by increased fine revenue. 

           COMMENTS  

           1)Rationale  .  According to the author, "This bill attempts to  
            create a deterrent for sports fans that take team loyalty too  
            far and act out violently against fans of rival teams."

           2)Efficacy and focus  . This bill imposes an increased greater  
            penalty for misdemeanor assault or battery that occurs on or  
            near a sports arena or stadium within 12 hours of an event.  
            The rationale for the greater fine is apparently that the  
            nature of sporting events - or concerts, or Disney on Ice -  
            creates an environment conducive to violence. Violence,  
            however, occurs in many places - bars, parks, schools, homes.  
            Are misdemeanor assaults and batteries at stadium events more  
            problematic than assault and battery committed elsewhere?  








                                                                  AB 2457
                                                                  Page  2

            Moreover, will increased fines deter anger and random  
            spontaneous fisticuffs?

            

            Analysis Prepared by  :    Geoff Long / APPR. / (916) 319-2081