Bill > HB2133

This bill expands the definition of "special victim" in Missouri state law to include sports officials who are assaulted during a sporting event while performing their official duties. The bill defines a sports official as someone who is trained and certified or registered by an organization that specializes in educating, training, and certifying sports officials. This includes judges, linesmen, referees, and umpires across all levels of competition. By adding sports officials to the list of special victims, the bill provides enhanced legal protections for these individuals, potentially resulting in more serious criminal charges for those who assault them during sporting events. The modification is being made to Section 565.002 of the Missouri Revised Statutes, which defines various terms used in the state's criminal code, and it represents a recognition of the important role sports officials play and the need to protect them from violence while performing their professional responsibilities.

https://house.mo.gov/Bill.aspx?bill=HB2133&year=2026&code=R