The bill amends Section 11-42-4 of the General Laws in Chapter 11-42, which addresses threats and extortion, by introducing new provisions specifically targeting threats made against election officials. It establishes that anyone who knowingly and willfully delivers a verbal or written threat to take the life of or inflict bodily harm upon an election official, or a member of their immediate family, due to 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 who is 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, in accordance with any 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