Bill > HB1841

This bill modifies Missouri law to provide additional protections and legal classifications for sports officials. First, the bill creates a new legal definition for "sports officials" as individuals who serve as referees, umpires, or similar roles in athletic contests, who are registered with a local, state, regional, or national organization. The bill provides civil liability protections for sports officials, stating they cannot be sued for injuries or damages arising from their officiating duties within an athletic facility, with an important caveat that this protection does not apply if the official's actions are intentional, willful, wanton, reckless, malicious, or grossly negligent. Additionally, the bill expands the definition of "special victims" in criminal law to include sports officials who are assaulted while performing their official duties or as a direct result of those duties. To qualify as a special victim, a sports official must be trained and certified or registered by an organization specializing in sports official education and training. These provisions aim to provide legal safeguards and recognition for sports officials who play a critical role in managing athletic competitions.

https://house.mo.gov/Bill.aspx?bill=HB1841&year=2026&code=R