The bill amends Section 11-42-4 of the General Laws in Chapter 11-42, entitled "Threats and Extortion," to redefine the term "public official" to include state government caseworkers or investigators. This change expands the scope of who is protected under the law against threats to their life or bodily harm due to their public duty, status, or position, or due to hostility related to their public existence. The offense remains classified as a felony, with penalties of up to five years imprisonment, a fine of up to five thousand dollars ($5,000), or both.

The bill also clarifies the definition of "immediate family" in relation to the public official as including a spouse, child, or children. The legislative intent behind this act is to extend the protections against threats to additional individuals who perform public duties for the state of Rhode Island. The act is set to take effect immediately upon passage.

Statutes affected:
2661: 11-42-4