Revision: Dec. 4, 2025, 9:04 a.m.
HB 1393 - AS INTRODUCED
2026 SESSION
26-3206
08/09
HOUSE BILL 1393
AN ACT relative to the definition of public servant and the offense of official oppression.
SPONSORS: Rep. Long, Hills. 26
COMMITTEE: Criminal Justice and Public Safety
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ANALYSIS
This bill adds federal officials to the definition of public servant and makes it a class B felony for a public servant to interfere in an election.
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Explanation: Matter added to current law appears in bold italics.
Matter removed from current law appears [in brackets and struckthrough.]
Matter which is either (a) all new or (b) repealed and reenacted appears in regular type.
26-3206
08/09
STATE OF NEW HAMPSHIRE
In the Year of Our Lord Two Thousand Twenty-Six
AN ACT relative to the definition of public servant and the offense of official oppression.
Be it Enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives in General Court convened:
1 Public Servant; Definition; Federal Officials Included. Amend RSA 640:2, II(a) to read as follows:
(a) "Public servant" means any federal official acting in or taking action directly affecting the state of New Hampshire, or officer or employee of the state or any political subdivision thereof, including judges, legislators, consultants, jurors, and persons otherwise performing a governmental function. A person is considered a public servant upon his election, appointment or other designation as such, although he may not yet officially occupy that position. A person is a candidate for electoral office upon his public announcement of his candidacy.
2 Official Oppression; Election Interference. Amend RSA 643:1 to read as follows:
643:1 Official Oppression.
A public servant, as defined in RSA 640:2, II, is guilty of a misdemeanor if, with a purpose to benefit himself or another or to harm another, he knowingly commits an unauthorized act which purports to be an act of his office; or knowingly refrains from performing a duty imposed on him by law or clearly inherent in the nature of his office. A public servant is guilty of a class B felony if he or she acts with intent to interfere with the administration of an election.
3 Effective Date. This act shall take effect January 1, 2027.