Though very sympathetic to the interest in protecting employees in light of the nationwide upswell of threats made to various personnel, we opposed legislation that would make it a felony with a potential sentence of up to five years in prison for an individual to threaten with physical harm a state government caseworker or school superintendents based on their public duties. While true threats do not merit First Amendment protection, these broadly written bills could ensnare people engaged in rhetorical excess by not requiring an actual intent to harm, and the imposition of severe felony penalties is unduly harsh.
School employees:
H 5262
Caseworkers:
H 5071
