Signed by Governor Brad Little

Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that prohibits individuals from making false emergency reports (swatting) in Idaho.

Highlights:

• Prohibits individuals from making false emergency reports (swatting) in Idaho (Sec. 1-3).

• Defines “swatting” as maliciously or recklessly submitting false reports to send an armed law enforcement response with a grave danger to citizens and law enforcement's health and safety (Sec. 1-3).

• Establishes that violations of this bill shall result in the following penalties, including (Sec. 1-3):

• A misdemeanor offense with a penalty of up to $5,000 and a one-year prison sentence to knowingly cause a false emergency report in a public or private place;

• Violations that result in $1,000 in damage, great bodily harm, or disability to an individual or response personnel shall result in a felony offense and penalty fines of up to $25,000 and a 5-year prison sentence; and

• Violations that result in $1,000 in damage, or death to an individual or response personnel shall result in a felony offense and penalty fines of up to $25,000 and a 10-year prison sentence.

• Specifies that this bill declares an emergency and shall take effect beginning July 1, 2025 (Sec. 4).

Full Bill Text