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HB 3213

Expands the definition of special victim to include sports officials at a sporting event

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Bob Bromley

Missouri HB 3213 expands protections by making sports officials at events a class of special victims, enabling enhanced remedies and reporting.

Referred: Emerging Issues(H)
#crimesandpunishment #entertainment #sportsandamusements #victimsofcrime
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Bill Summary · HB 3213

Bill Overview

HB 3213 (2026, Missouri) expands the definition of “special victim” to include sports officials at a sporting event. The bill has a sponsor listed as a co-sponsor: Bob Bromley. It progressed through the legislature with committee referrals and readings in early 2026.

Purpose and intent

  • The primary aim is to broaden protections and recognition for individuals who serve as sports officials (e.g., referees, umpires, and other officials) at sporting events.
  • By expanding the definition of “special victim,” the bill seeks to ensure that sports officials may be afforded the same legal and protective considerations that apply to other categories of special victims under Missouri law.

Key provisions and changes

  • Definition expansion: The bill adds sports officials at a sporting event to the list of individuals classified as “special victims” under Missouri statute.
  • Scope of protections: While the exact statutory language is not provided here, expanding the definition typically triggers enhanced protections, reporting requirements, or remedies available to those designated as special victims (e.g., criminal penalties for offenses against them, eligibility for certain programs, or access to specific resources).
  • Applicability: The expansion would apply to acts occurring at sporting events within the jurisdiction of Missouri. It clarifies that injuries or offenses targeting sports officials during events would fall under the special-victim framework.

Who is affected

  • Primary beneficiaries: Sports officials (referees, umpires, timers, and other supervising officials) working at Missouri sporting events.
  • Secondary impact: Organizations and authorities responsible for events (schools, leagues, associations) may need to adjust policies and reporting procedures to align with the expanded definition and associated protections.
  • Potential procedural impact: Agencies enforcing criminal or protective measures related to special victims would implement the revised category in investigations, prosecutions, and victim-support protocols.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Introduction and first reading: February 4, 2026.
  • Second reading: February 5, 2026.
  • Referred to committee: Emerging Issues (H) on May 15, 2026.
  • Next steps (not specified in provided information): If advanced, the bill would typically move through committee hearings, potential amendments, and votes in the House, then possibly to the Senate, with further readings and a conference process if amendments occur.

Potential implications and considerations

  • Public safety and enforcement: Enhanced protections could improve reporting and accountability for offenses against sports officials.
  • Implementation: Agencies may need guidance to apply the expanded definition consistently across all levels of sport within Missouri.
  • Stakeholder impact: Sports leagues, schools, and athletic associations may need to review and adjust policies, training, and victim-support resources to align with the new protections.

Note: The summary reflects the information available in the bill overview. For a complete understanding, the exact statutory language and any fiscal notes, committee opinions, and amendments would provide greater detail on protections, remedies, and implementation mechanisms.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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