Bill would make targeted threats against court officials felonies

A person commits tampering by using listed conduct to harass, intimidate, or influence an officer performing official duties. The conduct includes threats or harm, force or deception, offering a benefit, conduct meant to harass or alarm, and sharing the officer's or family's personal information. The person must act with the purpose of harassing, intimidating, or influencing the officer in the performance of official duties.

The proposed text identifies which officials and relatives are covered by this offense. Covered officials include specified court and justice-system workers, public administrators, their deputies, and public administrators' support staff. Covered relatives include a spouse, an ancestor or descendant by blood or adoption of the officer or spouse, and a stepchild while the marriage creating that relationship exists.

The proposed text makes tampering a class D felony, or a class B felony if the violation causes death or bodily injury. The penalties apply to the tampering offense and harm to a covered officer or family member. The higher penalty applies when the violation results in death or bodily injury to the officer or a covered family member.