Bill

Bill > H3467


MA H3467

MA H3467
Relative to swatting


summary

Introduced
01/22/2019
In Committee
01/22/2019
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
12/31/2020

Introduced Session

191st General Court

Bill Summary

For legislation to establish a criminal penalty for certain actions resulting in the dispatch of emergency services to nonexistent emergencies. The Judiciary.

AI Summary

This bill establishes a criminal penalty for "swatting" - the act of making false reports to emergency services, resulting in the dispatch of police to a nonexistent emergency. The bill sets varying penalties depending on the consequences of the false report: up to 2.5 years in jail and/or a $2,500 fine for a basic offense, up to 5 years in jail and/or a $7,500 fine for a second or subsequent offense, up to 5 years in jail and/or a $5,000 fine if bodily injury occurs, and manslaughter charges if a death occurs. The bill exempts calls made in good faith from these penalties.

Committee Categories

Justice

Sponsors (3)

Last Action

Accompanied a study order, see H5081 (on 11/12/2020)

bill text


bill summary

Loading...

bill summary

Loading...

bill summary

Loading...