The bill amends Section 11-42-4 of the General Laws in Chapter 11-42, which addresses threats and extortion, by introducing specific provisions related to threats against election officials. It establishes that anyone who knowingly and willfully delivers or conveys a verbal or written threat to take the life of, or to inflict bodily harm upon, any election official or a member of their immediate family because of the performance or nonperformance of their public duty, hostility toward the election official's status or position, or any other factor related to the election official's public existence, will be guilty of a misdemeanor. The penalties for this offense include imprisonment for not more than one year, a fine of not more than $1,000, or both.

The bill defines "election official" as a person appointed, hired, or assigned to any polling place, including but not limited to poll workers, election workers, wardens, moderators, clerks, and members of the board of canvassers, whose qualifications and duties are prescribed by statute, town charter, or ordinance. The act is set to take effect upon passage, reinforcing legal protections for election officials against threats related to their duties.

Statutes affected:
5300: 11-42-4
5300  SUB A: 11-42-4