Bill > HB1912

This bill adds a new section to Pennsylvania law that specifically criminalizes "swatting," which is the act of making a false emergency report with the intent to provoke an unnecessary emergency response. Under this legislation, a person commits the offense of swatting if they intentionally use a telecommunications device to make a false report of a crime or emergency to law enforcement, firefighters, emergency medical services, 911 operators, or other authorized emergency responders, and that report causes an actual emergency response. The bill establishes a graduated penalty system based on the consequences of the false report: a third-degree felony for basic swatting, a second-degree felony if the false report causes bodily injury to an individual, and a first-degree felony if the false report causes serious bodily injury. The bill defines "bodily injury" as an impairment of physical condition or substantial pain, and "serious bodily injury" as an injury that creates a substantial risk of death or causes serious, permanent disfigurement or protracted loss of bodily function. The law excludes authorized emergency drills from prosecution and will take effect 60 days after passage.

Justice

https://www.palegis.us/legislation/bills/2025/hb1912