Senate passes bill criminalizing 'swatting' by expanding false-report statute

The Idaho Senate on Jan. 30 passed Senate Bill 10 19, which amends Idaho Code to explicitly criminalize false reports of violence or emergencies often described as "swatting," the sponsor said.

Senator Tanner Nichols, who presented the bill, said it amends section 18-333 of Idaho Code to clarify definitions and penalties for false reports designed to provoke a heavy emergency response. "Swatting is not just a prank. It is a criminal act with serious consequences," Nichols said.

Nichols told the Senate that, based on testimony received in committee, Idaho has experienced "over 21 incidences" of swatting; he said those incidents have affected more than 50 schools, several businesses and at least five residences, and that the incidents divert emergency services from real emergencies. He said the bill imposes penalties and makes corrections to improve enforcement and that it would come at no additional cost to state or local government.

After limited floor debate, Nichols closed debate and the Senate voted on the bill. The Senate reported 34 votes in favor with one absent; the clerk announced that a majority had voted in the affirmative and Senate Bill 10 19 passed. The title was approved and the bill will be transmitted to the House of Representatives.

Supporters framed the change as a public-safety measure to protect first responders and the public and to deter malicious misuse of emergency services. The bill’s text, as presented on the floor, updates the false-report provision in Idaho Code to add explicit criminalization for false reports of violence or emergencies.