Bill > SB0198

This bill modifies Indiana's false reporting law to specifically address "swatting," a dangerous harassment tactic where someone makes a false report to emergency services that triggers a significant law enforcement response. The bill expands the definition of hindering a law enforcement process to explicitly include causing the dispatch of one or more law enforcement officers. For false reports that make a person appear dangerous, the bill enhances penalties to a Level 6 felony if the report would cause a reasonable person to feel terrorized, frightened, intimidated, or threatened. Additionally, if such a false report results in serious bodily injury or death, it becomes a Level 5 felony. The bill aims to deter false reporting by creating more severe consequences for actions that can potentially endanger innocent people and waste significant law enforcement resources. These changes will take effect on July 1, 2025, and are designed to provide stronger legal protections against malicious false reporting, particularly in cases of swatting.

Justice

https://iga.in.gov/legislative/2025/bills/senate/198/details