This bill amends the definition of "public servant" to include federal officials who take actions affecting the state of New Hampshire. Specifically, it modifies RSA 640:2, II(a) to state that a public servant encompasses any federal official acting in or taking action directly affecting the state, alongside state officers, employees, judges, legislators, and others performing governmental functions. The bill also clarifies that individuals are considered public servants upon their election, appointment, or designation, even if they have not yet officially assumed their roles.

Additionally, the bill introduces a new provision under RSA 643:1, which makes it a class B felony for a public servant to intentionally interfere with the administration of an election. This change elevates the seriousness of election interference by public servants, who were previously only subject to misdemeanor charges for unauthorized acts or failure to perform their duties. The bill is set to take effect on January 1, 2027.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 640:2, 643:1
HB1393 text: 640:2, 643:1