Bobby Scott: “I oppose the legislation that is drafted. H.R. 3369 provides immunity for nonprofit athletic organizations from lawsuits…”

“I oppose the legislation that is drafted. H.R. 3369 provides immunity for nonprofit athletic organizations from lawsuits in the adoption of rules for sanctioned or approved athletic competitions or practices. This legislation would virtually eliminate any valid claims from being brought forth. Specifically, the legislation does not differentiate between meritorious lawsuits and frivolous lawsuits. H.R. 3369 prohibits civil litigation of any grievance arising under the rules promulgated by the nonprofit sporting organization. It exempts the athletic organization from liability for harm caused by an act or omission of the adoption of rules for sanctioned or approved athletic competitions or practices if the organization was acting within the scope of its duties, the organization was properly licensed, certified or authorized for the competition or practice, and the harm was not caused by the organization's willful or criminal misconduct, gross negligence, or reckless misconduct. So while lawsuits filed by parents because their child was not put on a team may rightly be dismissed, cases with legal merit such as a rule that endangers the life of a child would also be dismissed. In effect, this legislation would effectively bar them from their day in court, and H.R. 3369 would dramatically obstruct valid discrimination claims or other kinds of discrimination claims against such athletic organizations.”