HB1438 (2024) Compare Changes


The Bill Text indicates a new section is being inserted. This situation is not handled right now, and the new text is displayed in both the changed and unchanged versions.

Unchanged Version

Text to be removed highlighted in red.

1 New Section; Whistleblower Protection. Amend RSA 633 by inserting after section 633:11 the following new section:

633:12 Criminal Interference with Whistleblowers.

I. For the purposes of this section, "whistleblower" shall mean someone who reports, via formal complaint, any type of municipal, state or federal waste, fraud, abuse, corruption, or dangers to public health and safety to any person or agency that is specifically tasked with remedying such conduct.

II. It is a class B felony for any civilian state employee to knowingly cooperate or assist with any attempt by law enforcement to detain, arrest or prosecute a whistleblower.

III. It is a class B felony for any civilian state employee to harass with an intent to alarm any whistleblower in an attempt to make the whistleblower submit to detention, arrest or prosecution.

IV. It is a class A felony for a state civilian employee to engage in the conduct in paragraphs II and III if the law enforcement entity is federal.

2 Effective Date. This act shall take effect January 1, 2025.

Changed Version

Text to be added highlighted in green.

1 New Section; Whistleblower Protection. Amend RSA 633 by inserting after section 633:11 the following new section:

633:12 Criminal Interference with Whistleblowers.

I. For the purposes of this section, "whistleblower" shall mean someone who reports, via formal complaint, any type of municipal, state or federal waste, fraud, abuse, corruption, or dangers to public health and safety to any person or agency that is specifically tasked with remedying such conduct.

II. It is a class B felony for any civilian state employee to knowingly cooperate or assist with any attempt by law enforcement to detain, arrest or prosecute a whistleblower.

III. It is a class B felony for any civilian state employee to harass with an intent to alarm any whistleblower in an attempt to make the whistleblower submit to detention, arrest or prosecution.

IV. It is a class A felony for a state civilian employee to engage in the conduct in paragraphs II and III if the law enforcement entity is federal.

2 Effective Date. This act shall take effect January 1, 2025.