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Committee adopts substitute strengthening penalties for false emergency reports
Summary
HB113 would impose stiffer penalties for repeat or reckless false emergency reports that endanger responders; under the substitute, repeat offenders face class A misdemeanors and reckless false reports that cause death can be felonies. The committee adopted the substitute and recommended the bill.
Representative Monson told the committee HB113 addresses abuse of emergency reporting systems that tie up scarce EMS, fire and law-enforcement resources, particularly in rural areas where a single ambulance lost to a false call can endanger lives. The bill targets deliberate and repeated misuse rather than accidental or mistaken calls.
Under the substitute, an actor's third or subsequent conviction for knowingly making false emergency reports can be a class A misdemeanor; reckless false reports that foreseeably jeopardize safety and that later result in death can be charged as felonies. The sentencing framework includes minimum-sentencing guidance and coordination with other bills.
Stakeholders including the Utah Criminal Defense Lawyers Association, rural EMS directors and CCJJ described working with the sponsor to refine the language. The committee adopted the substitute and favorably recommended HB113.
