Bill > AB791

This bill expands existing Wisconsin law to make intentionally sending a false text message to 911 a punishable offense, in addition to making false phone calls. Specifically, the bill amends section 256.35(10)(a) of Wisconsin statutes to include text messaging alongside dialing as a prohibited method of making a false emergency report. For a first offense, an individual who knowingly sends a false text message to 911 about a non-existent emergency situation can be fined between $100 and $600, imprisoned for up to 90 days, or both. If the same person commits another such offense within four years of the first incident, they will be charged with a Class H felony, which is a more serious criminal classification. The bill aims to prevent misuse of emergency communication systems by extending legal penalties to include text message communications, reflecting the growing use of text messaging as a means of communication.