Bill > HB4151

This bill amends existing law to redefine and strengthen penalties for initiating a false report, which is defined as knowingly making a false alarm or report to emergency services like fire departments or law enforcement agencies. Previously, initiating a false report was a Class A misdemeanor, but this bill introduces a new provision making it a Class C felony if the false report intentionally leads to an "enhanced law enforcement response" and recklessly causes serious physical injury or death to another person as a result of that response. An "enhanced law enforcement response" is clarified to mean a response involving multiple officers or units and specific actions such as deploying specialized teams, establishing perimeters, using armored vehicles, or initiating shelter-in-place directives. The bill also mandates that individuals convicted of initiating a false report must repay the costs incurred by emergency services and, under the new felony provision, the court must impose a term of incarceration if the enhanced response results in death or serious injury.

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https://olis.oregonlegislature.gov/liz/2026R1/Measures/Overview/HB4151