by Logan Finney, Idaho Reports

The Idaho Senate passed a bill Thursday to create stronger criminal penalties for false emergency reports that are used to harass people, also known as “swatting.”

The term refers to special weapons and tactics units, or SWAT teams, that law enforcement agencies use to respond to high-risk situations like bomb threats or active shooters.

“Swatting is not just a prank, it is a criminal act with serious consequences,” said bill sponsor Sen. Tammy Nichols, R-Middleton. “Nationally, swatting incidents are on the rise, particularly targeting schools and public institutions.”

Senate Bill 1019 describes swatting as “the act of maliciously or recklessly submitting false reports in order to send an armed law enforcement response” and a grave danger to the health and safety of both citizens and law enforcement.

“This bill ensures that Idaho law is equipped to deter the malicious behavior, while protecting our communities and the resources we rely on,” Nichols said.

Senators approved the legislation unanimously Thursday without debate.

The bill would make it a misdemeanor crime with a penalty of up to $5,000 and one year in jail to knowingly cause a false emergency report in a public or private place.

The crime would be a felony with up to $25,000 in fines and five years in prison if such a report causes over $1,000 in damages, or great bodily harm or disability to a person; or up to ten years in prison if the false report causes the death of any person.

It is already a felony crime under state law to submit a false report of bombs or explosives.

The Senate passed a similar bill in a 23-12 vote last year that did not reach the House floor.

The bill must also pass the House and the Governor’s desk to become law.

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