Bill > S0814

This bill amends an existing law to make it a misdemeanor to knowingly file a false report of crime or official misconduct against law enforcement personnel, emergency personnel, or hospital staff. Specifically, the bill expands the current law by adding provisions that criminalize false oral or written statements about misconduct by law enforcement officers, public safety officers, emergency services officials, first aid and medical technicians, fire safety officials, and hospital staff. The penalties for such false reporting include potential imprisonment for up to one year, a fine of up to $500, and a mandatory order to pay restitution to the person falsely accused. The bill defines "law enforcement" broadly to include police officers at various levels (city, town, state, sheriff, and capitol police), and "emergency personnel" to encompass a wide range of first responders and medical professionals. The legislation aims to protect these public service workers from malicious or deliberately false accusations of misconduct by introducing clear legal consequences for such actions. The bill will take effect immediately upon its passage.

Justice

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