The bill amends Section 11-42-4 of the General Laws in Chapter 11-42, which is entitled "Threats and Extortion," by updating the definition of "public official" to include a broader range of individuals. Specifically, the bill inserts new language to expand the definition of "public official" to encompass school superintendents, central office officials, school principals, and all other school employees. This change is made in the context of threats to public officials, where the bill outlines that knowingly and willfully delivering or conveying a threat to a public official or their immediate family, in relation to their public duty or status, constitutes a felony punishable by imprisonment, a fine, or both.

The bill also clarifies that the term "immediate family" refers to a public official’s spouse and children. The legislative intent behind this amendment is to extend the criminal prohibition against making threats to include a wider range of individuals who serve in public education roles. The bill is set to take effect immediately upon passage, indicating the urgency of providing these protections to the newly included public officials.

Statutes affected:
2683: 11-42-4