Bill > S516

This bill amends Massachusetts law to protect election workers from harassment, threats, and intimidation by establishing new legal protections. The bill defines key terms such as "election worker" (anyone working in election administration, whether paid or volunteer), "election duties" (tasks related to conducting elections), and "personal information" (including home address, contact details, and images). It makes it illegal to harass, threaten, or intimidate election workers while they are performing their official duties or in retaliation for their work, with the prohibition covering various forms of communication including in-person, verbal, written, electronic, and digital communications. The bill also criminalizes publishing an election worker's personal information online if such publication could promote harassment or pose a serious safety threat to the worker or their family. Violations are punishable by up to four years in prison and/or a fine of up to $10,000 for a first offense, with increased penalties of up to ten years in prison and/or a $25,000 fine for subsequent offenses. The legislation aims to protect election workers from potential intimidation and ensure they can perform their critical democratic responsibilities without fear of personal harassment or retaliation.

Budget and Finance, Government Affairs

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/S516