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 on or after the bill's effective date, which is immediate upon enactment.

Additionally, the bill introduces criminal penalties for assaults against sports officials. It categorizes assaults based on the severity of the offense: a class D felony for assaults intended to cause serious injury or involving a dangerous weapon, an aggravated misdemeanor for causing bodily injury or mental illness, and a serious misdemeanor for other types of assaults. The bill amends existing laws to include sports officials alongside other protected individuals, such as peace officers and firefighters, thereby enhancing the legal framework surrounding the safety and accountability of sports officials in Iowa.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 708.3A