Bill > S1019

This bill addresses the serious issue of "swatting," which involves making false reports to provoke an armed law enforcement response, by amending existing Idaho law to expand and strengthen penalties for such actions. The bill revises the existing statute on false reports of explosives by adding language that clarifies reporting false explosive threats is a felony, and introduces a new section (18-3313A) that specifically criminalizes false reports of violence or emergencies in public or private places. Under the new law, making a false report is initially classified as a misdemeanor punishable by up to one year in jail or a $5,000 fine, but can be elevated to a felony with more severe penalties if the false report causes damages exceeding $1,000 or results in great bodily harm. In the most serious cases where a false report leads to a person's death, the offender could face up to 10 years in prison and a $25,000 fine. The bill broadly defines "private places" to include dwellings, businesses, vehicles, and any location where a person expects privacy, demonstrating a comprehensive approach to preventing dangerous and potentially life-threatening false reporting practices. The legislation is set to take effect on July 1, 2025, and is explicitly motivated by the Legislature's recognition of the grave dangers such false reports pose to citizens and law enforcement.

Justice

Judiciary and Rules Committee (S)

https://legislature.idaho.gov/sessioninfo/2025/legislation/S1019/