An Act to safeguard judicial integrity through enhanced witness protection

This bill defines witness intimidation as using threats, force, bribes, or coercion to influence testimony, reporting, or participation in official government proceedings like court hearings or law enforcement investigations. It makes such intimidation a crime with penalties of up to 10 years in prison for physical force or up to 2½ years and a $5,000 fine for threats, bribes, or extortion. The law explicitly protects constitutionally protected speech, such as criticism of officials or public policy, and requires law enforcement to receive training to apply the law correctly without infringing on free expression. It directly affects individuals who attempt to intimidate witnesses, witnesses themselves, and law enforcement officers.