Child Welfare Worker Protections

Changed the mental state requirement for threatening violence from 'knowingly or intentionally' to include 'reckless' behavior, making it easier to prosecute threats made without clear intent.

Added language clarifying that threats do not need to be communicated directly to the victim to be considered valid threats of violence.

Clarified the mental state requirement for knowing the victim's status by adding 'or reasonably should know' to ensure threats against family members are covered even if the actor is uncertain about the relationship.

Expanded protection to include family members of child welfare workers in both assault and threat of violence offenses.

Added specific intent requirement for assault cases, requiring the actor to act with intent to impede duties or retaliate against the worker.

Added 'knowingly or intentionally' language to threat of violence requirements to clarify the mental state needed for conviction.

Added mandatory restitution requirements for actors convicted of threatening child welfare workers or their family members.

Removed 'threat of violence' definition from Section 76-8-318 and created separate Section 76-8-318.5 for threat of violence offenses.