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Committee backs felony penalty for swatting amid broader threats package
Summary
The committee approved making swatting a felony — adding a targeted penalty for callers who summon armed responses to another person’s location — as part of a package of public-safety measures; testimony cited national incident rates and first-responder costs.
Senators considered a bill that would criminalize swatting — the deliberate false reporting of violent incidents to trigger an armed law-enforcement response to an address — and move it into a felony category. Supporters described swatting as a dangerous form of intimidation that can produce fatalities and large costs to schools, emergency responders and communities.
JD Bullington of the Greater Albuquerque Chamber of Commerce told the committee swatting incidents are widespread and costly, citing national estimates; proponents argued that a felony penalty would provide a meaningful deterrent and enforcement tool. The witness told senators that an analysis showed thousands of reported incidents nationwide affecting schools and first responders.
The committee recorded a do-pass recommendation on the judiciary substitute for Senate Bill 18 by roll call (10–0). The committee chair signaled the bill would return for additional scoring and cross-agency fiscal analysis given its possible costs and effects on school operations and emergency responses.
Ending: With the committee’s do-pass vote, sponsors plan follow-up fiscal scoring and additional hearings as the bill moves toward floor consideration.
