The bill amends Section 11-42-4 of the General Laws in Chapter 11-42, which is entitled "Threats and Extortion," by inserting new legal language that expands the definition of "public official." The amendment specifies that election officials and poll workers are to be included in the definition of "public official" for the purposes of the prohibition on making threats to public officials. This change aims to extend the protections against threats that are currently afforded to other public officials to election officials and poll workers as well.

The bill also outlines the penalties for knowingly and willfully delivering or conveying a threat to a public official or their immediate family, which is classified as a felony. The punishment for such an offense can include imprisonment for not more than five years, a fine of not more than five thousand dollars ($5,000), or both. The definition of "immediate family" is clarified to mean a public official’s spouse, child, or children. The act is set to take effect upon passage.

Statutes affected:
7447: 11-42-4