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The state Senate Judiciary committee has approved two bills that would increase penalties for those who assault sports referees.
The legislation calls for a maximum of five years for anyone who assaults a ref and causes serious injury.
The laws now go to the full Senate for consideration.
Among those testifying in support of the bills was Kris Bienewicz, whose husband died after he was punched while refereeing a soccer game nearly three years ago.
Bienewicz says the new laws will go a long way in deterring people from trying to attack an official.
