Bill > SB175

This bill amends Pennsylvania law to expand and clarify provisions related to false alarms to public safety agencies. The legislation broadens the definition of false reporting to include knowingly making a false report of a crime or emergency to various public safety entities like law enforcement, firefighters, emergency medical services, and 911 operators. A key addition is a comprehensive cost recovery mechanism that allows courts to order individuals who make false reports to reimburse government agencies for response expenses, including salaries, overtime, equipment costs, and prosecution efforts. For juveniles, the bill provides a nuanced approach that can involve parents or legal guardians in cost payment, taking into account their financial resources and potential hardship. The bill also establishes jurisdictional provisions that allow the Attorney General to investigate and prosecute false reporting cases that span multiple counties or states, and prevents defendants from challenging the Attorney General's authority to do so. Additionally, the bill includes detailed definitions of terms like emergency medical services, fire companies, and law enforcement agencies to provide clarity. The new provisions will take effect 60 days after enactment, aiming to deter false reporting and recover public safety resources expended in responding to such reports.

Justice

https://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/bill_history.cfm?syear=2025&sind=0&body=S&type=B&bn=175