election officials; threats; intimidation

SB 1652 makes it a crime to threaten, intimidate, or physically obstruct election officials in Arizona while they perform their duties. The bill prohibits verbal, written, or physical threats aimed at impeding election work or retaliating against officials (Section A), using threats of force or economic harm to influence them (Section B), or blocking access to voting locations or election facilities (Section C). Violations are classified as class 1 misdemeanors (Section E), and officials can file civil lawsuits seeking restraining orders or damages without proving the threat was intended to cause fear (Section D). This bill directly affects election workers, including board members, and aims to protect them from harassment during election administration.