MissouriBill would limit sports officials’ liability for work-related injuries
The introduced bill would shield qualifying sports officials from some civil claims over their work and include certain assaulted officials in the “special victim” definition.
What it does
Sports officials who officiate at any level in Missouri would not be liable in civil lawsuits for injuries or damages tied to their duties inside the athletic facility. The protection would not cover serious misconduct.
The bill text would treat some sports officials as “special victims” when they are assaulted while working or because of their work. They must meet the stated training and certification or registration requirements.
Argument forOfficials sued over actions tied to their work inside an athletic facility could avoid liability for injuries or damages.
Argument againstPeople injured by an official’s nonintentional work-related actions could have fewer ways to recover damages through a civil lawsuit.
More detail
Sports officials would not be liable in civil lawsuits for certain harm connected to officiating. It covers referees, umpires, linesmen, and people in similar roles who are registered with or belong to an organization that provides education and training for sports officials. The protection would not apply when an official causes harm intentionally, willfully, wantonly, recklessly, maliciously, or through gross negligence. The text gives no start date.
The definition of “special victim” would include certain sports officials who are assaulted. It covers a sports official assaulted while performing official duties or as a direct result of those duties. The official must be trained and certified or registered by an organization that educates and trains sports officials and certifies or registers them. The text gives no start date.
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Where it stands
- Introduced
- Passed House
- Passed Senate
- To Governor
- Became Law
Looking ahead
No hearings or votes scheduled.
History
- 2026
- May 15Referred: Emerging Issues(H)Latest
- Jan 8Read Second Time (H)Minor
- Jan 7Read First Time (H)
- 2025
- Dec 1Prefiled (H)Introduced
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