Bill > H1788

This bill amends Section 14B of the Massachusetts General Laws to strengthen penalties for the willful and malicious communication of false information to public safety answering points (PSAPs) or emergency response services providers. The bill defines key terms like "emergency," "PSAP," and "silent call," and establishes penalties ranging from up to 6 months in jail and/or a $200 fine for a first offense, to up to 1 year in jail and/or a $1,000 fine for subsequent offenses. The bill also imposes harsher penalties, including up to 5 years in state prison, for false reports that result in great bodily harm or death, and for reports motivated by bigotry or bias that deprive individuals of their constitutional rights. Additionally, the bill requires defendants convicted under this law to complete a diversity awareness program and allows victims to bring civil actions to recover damages.

Justice

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/193/H1788