HB 4151
Increases the penalties for the crime of initiating a false report when a person intentionally causes an enhanced law enforcement response and recklessly causes serious physical injury or death as a result of the response.
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Sign in to take actionPublic sentiment
Support
91%
Oppose
9%
- Introduced
- Passed House
- Passed Senate
- To Governor
- Became Law
Bill overview
This bill increases the penalties for falsely reporting emergencies. Specifically, it raises the crime of initiating a false report to a felony if the report causes an enhanced law enforcement response that results in serious physical injury or death. Individuals convicted under this law could face up to five years in prison, a $125,000 fine, or both, and may be required to reimburse the costs associated with the response. The bill also defines what constitutes an ‘enhanced law enforcement response’ for the purpose of determining the severity of the penalty.
Sponsors
Official sponsors from legislative records.
Primary sponsors
Arguments in favor
Reasons to support this legislation.
Supporters of HB 4151 advocate for the passage of the bill to address intentional swatting incidents and fraudulent reports made against law enforcement. They believe that enhanced penalties are necessary to deter individuals from making false reports, which can create high-risk situations and cause harm to individuals and communities. Many the need for accountability and proportionality in addressing these incidents, with some advocating for stricter penalties, including imprisonment, for those who intentionally make such calls. Overall, supporters argue that the bill is necessary to address a pressing issue of swatting and hoax threats, which pose significant risks to law enforcement and the public, and that it will enhance enforcement and accountability for existing laws.
Source: Testimony Summaries
Arguments opposed
Reasons to oppose this legislation.
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