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

HB 379 expands the legal definition of "special victim" to include sports officials (such as referees, umpires, or linesmen) who are assaulted while performing their duties at any level of competition. This means assaults against certified sports officials during games or events would now be treated under the same legal provisions as assaults against other protected groups like law enforcement or emergency personnel. The bill specifies that officials must be trained and certified by an organization overseeing sports officiating to qualify under this definition. This change directly affects sports officials and the legal handling of assaults against them, potentially leading to enhanced penalties for such offenses.