This bill establishes legal protections for sports officials in Iowa by limiting their civil liability for injuries or damages that occur during athletic contests. Specifically, it states that sports officials will not be held liable for actions or inactions related to their officiating duties within the confines of the athletic facility, except in cases of intentional, malicious, or grossly negligent behavior. The bill also defines a sports official and clarifies that these protections apply to legal actions initiated after the bill's effective date, even if the actions in question occurred prior to that date.

Additionally, the bill introduces criminal penalties for assaults against sports officials. It classifies assaults against sports officials as a class D felony if the assailant intends to inflict serious injury or uses a dangerous weapon. Other forms of assault against sports officials can result in an aggravated misdemeanor or a serious misdemeanor, depending on the circumstances. The bill aims to enhance the safety and security of sports officials by imposing stricter penalties for assaults against them, thereby promoting a more respectful environment in athletic competitions.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 708.3A