The bill amends Section 11-42-4 of the General Laws in Chapter 11-42, titled "Threats and Extortion," to expand the definition of "public official" to include election officials and poll workers. The amendment specifies that anyone who knowingly and willfully threatens to harm or kill a public official or their immediate family member, due to their public duty, position, or related factors, will be committing a felony. The punishment for such an offense is imprisonment for up to five years, a fine of up to $5,000, or both.

The bill clarifies that the term "public official" encompasses not only those elected or appointed in accordance with constitutional or statutory requirements but also election officials, poll workers, judges, magistrates, attorneys general, law enforcement officers, and individuals who have filed for nomination or election to an elective office or are appointed by the governor to a state department. The term "immediate family" is defined to include a public official's spouse and children. The act is set to take effect immediately upon passage.

Statutes affected:
2771: 11-42-4