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

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Brad Pollitt

Expands special-victim protections to include sports officials assaulted while performing duties at sporting events.

Referred: Emerging Issues(H)

#crimesandpunishment #entertainment #sportsandamusements #victimsofcrime

Summary of HB 2319 (2026) — Missouri

Purpose and intent

Expands Missouri’s definition of “special victim” under Section 565.002 to include sports officials at a sporting event.

The change clarifies that a sports official assaulted in the performance of duties (or as a direct result of those duties) is protected under the special-victim provisions.

Key provisions and changes

Replaces the current text of Section 565.002 with a new version that enumerates categories considered “special victims.”

New category (14)(l): Any sports official assaulted while performing duties at a sporting event, or as a direct result of those duties.

A sports official is defined broadly to include judges, linesmen, officials, referees, umpires, etc.
To qualify, a person must be trained and certified or registered as a sports official by an organization that educates, trains, certifies, or registers sports officials.
The provision states all levels of competition are encompassed by the definition of “sports event.”

Other categories of “special victim” remain, including law enforcement officers, emergency personnel, jailers, highway workers, utility workers, cable workers, mass transit employees, elderly, disabled, and vulnerable persons, reflecting the broader statutory framework.

Who/what would be affected

Individuals who would be protected under the “special victim” designation include:

Sports officials (e.g., judges, referees, umpires, linesmen) actively performing their duties at sporting events.
Sports officials who suffer an assault directly due to their official duties, recognizing expanded protection similar to other frontline or protected categories.

The change primarily affects criminal charging, sentencing enhancements, and other protections tied to “special victims” under Missouri law for assaults against the designated individuals.

Procedural and timeline aspects

Status: Referred to Emerging Issues (H) as of May 15, 2026.

Prior actions: Read Second Time on January 8, 2026; Read First Time on January 7, 2026; Prefiled on December 10, 2025.

The bill follows a pattern similar to prior companion bills (HB 379 in 2025 and HB 1847 in 2024), indicating ongoing legislative interest in extending special-victim protections to sports officials.

Practical implications and potential impact

Enhanced protections for sports officials at all levels, potentially impacting prosecutorial decisions and penalties for assaults against them.

May influence training, reporting, and enforcement practices at sporting events, given the explicit certification/registration requirement for those qualifying as sports officials.

Could affect resource allocation for law enforcement and prosecutors in cases involving assaults at sporting events, aligning with protections already provided to other “special victims.”

Note: The summary reflects the bill text and supporting descriptions as filed. If enacted, the statute would supersede prior language and alter who qualifies for “special victim” status under Missouri law.