Committee unanimously advances anti-swatting bill making false emergency reports a felony in serious cases

Representative Judy Boyle presented Senate Bill 1019 to the House Judiciary, Rules and Administration Committee, describing it as legislation to criminalize false emergency reports made to provoke tactical responses (commonly called "swatting"). The committee voted unanimously, 14–0, to send SB1019 to the floor with a due-pass recommendation.

The bill defines covered false reports and sets a penalty framework: a misdemeanor if the false report causes no harm; a felony if damages exceed $1,000 or if the false report results in great bodily harm; and the most severe felony penalties (including significant prison time and fines) if the false report results in a death. Representative Boyle told members the bill mirrors incidents in Idaho and elsewhere and enumerates the places and…