Bill > HF3209

This bill increases criminal penalties for "swatting," which is the dangerous practice of making false emergency calls to prompt a large police response to a specific location. The legislation amends Minnesota statutes to create more severe consequences for individuals who make false emergency reports that result in serious harm or target specific public officials. Under the new provisions, if a false emergency call results in someone's death, the offender can be sentenced to life imprisonment. If the call results in great bodily harm, they can be imprisoned for up to 15 years and fined up to $30,000. For calls resulting in substantial bodily harm, the penalty is up to three years in prison and a $10,000 fine. Additionally, if the false emergency call targets the home of an elected official, judge, prosecutor, correctional facility employee, or peace officer, the offender can now be imprisoned for up to ten years and fined up to $20,000, compared to the previous maximum of one year and $5,000. These changes are set to take effect on August 1, 2025, and will apply to crimes committed on or after that date, signaling the state's intent to more seriously deter and punish the dangerous practice of swatting.

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https://www.revisor.mn.gov/bills/bill.php?b=House&f=HF3209&ssn=0&y=2025