Lawmakers introduce bill making field storming punishable by law with heavy fine, jail time

After an upset or a big win, it’s common to see a field storming. It’s a moment that many fans dream about and often acts as the cherry on top of a memorable game.

However, two lawmakers in Florida don’t seem to think field storming is a good thing. Freshman Republican Senator Corey Simon of Tallahassee introduced a bill that would make field storming a first-degree misdemeanor in the state. Republican Representative Taylor Yarkosky of Montverde introduced a separate but similar bill in the House of Representatives.

SB 764, or the “Interference with Sporting or Entertainment Events” was introduced on Tuesday, February 14th.

Violators who partake in a field storming could face up to a year in prison and face a fine of up to $2,500. That also applies to those who throw things onto the playing surface.

The bill defines the playing surface as, “any area designated for use by players, coaches, officials, performers, or personnel administering a covered event that is on, or adjacent to, the area of performance or play.”

This bill is still in its very early stages. So, it’s hard to say how it will be received by fellow lawmakers and the public as a whole. You can read the entire bill, here.

If passed, this law would go into place on October 1, 2023.

Are changes coming to Florida NIL law?

Florida House Bill 7B cleared the state senate by a vote of 34-0 last Friday. The House previously passed the bill 113-0. The bill would repeal the Intercollegiate Athlete Compensation and Rights Act that is currently in place in the state and allow coaches and staff to help facilitate NIL deals.

The next step in the bill’s path to being made law is to either be signed or vetoed by Governor Ron DeSantis. He is expected to sign it.

This comes as several states have suspended or removed their NIL laws because they were seen as too restrictive. The hope is to give student athletes the best opportunity to capitalize on their NIL as possible.