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Bill would designate state caseworkers and investigators as protected public officials under threats statute
Summary
Representative Reid reintroduced HB 5071 to classify state government caseworkers and investigators as public officials for purposes of the criminal prohibition on threats; sponsors cited assaults and threats against DCYF staff and union support, while civil liberties witnesses urged careful drafting and consideration of intent requirements to
House Bill 5071, introduced by Representative Reid, would add state government caseworkers and investigators to the definition of public officials under the threats statute, making it a felony to threaten them while they perform official duties. Reid, a retired police officer, said the bill has the support of DCYF caseworkers and SEIU Local 780 and that his legislation seeks to protect staff who work with vulnerable children.
Matt Gennip of SEIU Local 780 told the committee the union had surveyed members and documented widespread threats and assaults against child‑protective investigators. He described a recent violent assault on a board member who is a child‑protective investigator and said that 45% of surveyed DCYF members reported threats in the prior 12 months and 19% reported assaults over their careers.
Representative Reid said he would entertain amendments to add a clearer definition of threats and to ensure the statute comports with constitutional requirements. Civil‑liberties witnesses referenced prior Supreme Court guidance and recommended a knowledge/intent requirement.
No vote was taken and the committee left the bill in committee for further work on statutory language and definitions.
