§ 485:31 — Tampering With Public Water Systems

I. Any person who tampers with, attempts to tamper with, or makes a threat to tamper with a public water system shall be guilty of a class B felony if a natural person and guilty of a felony if any other person.
II. Notwithstanding RSA 651:2, a natural person may, in addition to any sentence of imprisonment, probation or conditional discharge, be fined not more than $50,000 if found guilty of tampering with a public water system, and not more than $25,000 if found guilty of an attempt to tamper with or making a threat to tamper with a public water system. Each day of violation shall constitute a separate violation.
III. Any person who tampers, attempts to tamper, or makes a threat to tamper with a public water system shall be liable to the state, upon suit brought by the attorney general, for a civil forfeiture not to exceed $50,000 for such tampering or not to exceed $25,000 for such attempt or threat.
IV. In this section, the term "tamper" means:
(a) To introduce a contaminant into a public water system with the purpose of harming persons; or
(b) To otherwise interfere with the operation of a public water system with the purpose of harming persons.

Legislative History

1989, 339:1, eff. Jan. 1, 1990.