The bill amends Section 11-42-4 of the General Laws in Chapter 11-42, titled "Threats and Extortion," to include specific provisions regarding threats made against public officials. The new legal language defines "public official" to encompass not only elected or appointed individuals but also state government caseworkers and investigators. This change aims to enhance protections for these professionals by categorizing them under the same legal framework that prohibits threats against traditional public officials, such as judges and law enforcement officers.

Additionally, the bill clarifies the definition of "immediate family" to include a public official's spouse and children, and it introduces a definition for "state government caseworker" as a social worker assisting individuals and families in accessing government resources. The act will take effect immediately upon passage, reinforcing the legal consequences for making threats against these public servants.

Statutes affected:
5071: 11-42-4