Bill > HB505

This bill expands the definition of "special victim" in Missouri law to include sports officials who are assaulted during a sporting event while performing their official duties or as a direct result of those duties. The bill provides a comprehensive definition of a sports official, specifying that this includes judges, linesmen, referees, and umpires who are trained and certified or registered by an organization dedicated to sports official education and certification. The definition applies to sporting events at all levels of competition, which means the legal protection would cover officials working in youth, amateur, and professional sports. By adding sports officials to the list of special victims, the bill provides enhanced legal protections and potentially more serious penalties for individuals who assault these professionals while they are performing their roles. This change acknowledges the important role sports officials play in maintaining fair and safe sporting environments and seeks to provide them with additional legal safeguards against potential violence.

https://house.mo.gov/Bill.aspx?bill=HB505&year=2025&code=R