Maple Grove Senator Authors Bill To Crack Down on ‘Swatting,’ False 911 Calls
Newly proposed legislation aims to crack down on false police calls, also known as “swatting.”
Sen. Warren Limmer, R-Maple Grove, introduced SF 3815, to expand the state’s swatting laws.
According to FBI statistics, there have been more than 550 swatting attempts of individuals since last May, as well as more than 770 attempts targeting schools.
State law currently makes swatting a gross misdemeanor. The legislation proposed by Limmer would make it a felony when phony emergency calls target addresses of elected officials, judges, prosecuting attorneys, correction workers and police officers.
“The bill is focused on public officials because they make laws, enforce laws, prosecute offenders, sentence offenders, and protect the public from offenders,” Limmer said in a statement to CCX News.
Those found guilty of swatting would face up to a year in prison and a $5,000 fine.
The bill has bipartisan support and awaits final floor votes in both the House and Senate.
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