Bill > SB18

This bill amends existing New Mexico law to create a new criminal offense called "swatting" and increase penalties for related offenses. Swatting is defined as knowingly making a false or misleading report to a public safety agency about an ongoing emergency or threat of violence with the intent to cause an immediate response from law enforcement, firefighters, or emergency medical services. The bill elevates the severity of shooting threats from a misdemeanor to a fourth-degree felony and also establishes swatting as a fourth-degree felony. Additionally, the legislation allows courts to order individuals convicted of making bomb scares, shooting threats, or engaging in swatting to reimburse victims for economic harm, which includes lost wages, compensation for employee time disrupted, and overhead costs incurred during business shutdowns. The bill also provides a clear definition of "public safety agency" as any law enforcement, firefighting, emergency medical services, or 911 dispatch center operating under the Enhanced 911 Act. These changes aim to deter dangerous and disruptive false reporting that can waste public resources and potentially endanger lives.

Business and Industry, Justice

https://www.nmlegis.gov/Legislation/Legislation?chamber=S&legtype=B&legno=18&year=25