This bill amends the offense of improper influence by expanding its definition to include threats made against the immediate family members of public servants, party officials, or voters. The bill introduces mandatory minimum penalties for individuals convicted of threatening these individuals, stipulating a minimum one-year imprisonment and a fine of at least $1,000 for each threatened person. Additionally, the bill clarifies that "harm" includes any disadvantage or injury to the person or property of the public servant, party official, or voter, as well as their immediate family members. The definition of "immediate family member" is also provided, encompassing spouses, parents, children, and others residing in the same household.

Furthermore, the bill makes synthetic and semisynthetic kratom illegal to prepare, distribute, manufacture, sell, possess, or advertise, with exceptions for scientific research. It classifies synthetic or semisynthetic kratom as a schedule II controlled drug, thereby imposing stricter regulations on its use. The effective date for the provisions related to improper influence is set for January 1, 2027, while the remaining sections of the act will take effect upon passage. The bill is expected to have indeterminable fiscal impacts on state and local expenditures due to changes in criminal penalties and potential effects on the judicial and correctional systems.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 640:3
As Amended by the Senate: 640:3, 318-B:1-
HB1423 text: 640:3