Preserving Safe Communities by Ending Swatting Act of 2025

Stricter Penalties for Dangerous Falsehoods: Under Section 2, individuals who convey false information that results in serious bodily injury can face up to 20 years in prison, and those whose actions result in death can face life imprisonment. This provides a much harsher deterrent for conduct that leads to physical harm.

Financial Accountability for Emergency Costs: Section 2, subsection (b) establishes that anyone who engages in this conduct is liable in a civil action for expenses incurred during the resulting emergency or investigative response. This allows parties to recover the costs associated with responding to the false report.

Broad Protection Against Misleading Information: Section 2, subsection (a) targets false information that indicates a crime under State or Federal law or anything that endangers public health or safety. This can help prevent the misuse of emergency services.

Criminal Penalties for False Information: Section 2, subsection (a) states that anyone engaging in conduct with the intent to convey false or misleading information that may reasonably be expected to cause an emergency response can be fined or imprisoned for up to 5 years.

Civil Liability for Expenses: Under Section 2, subsection (b), individuals may be held liable in a civil action for any expenses a party incurs due to an emergency or investigative response caused by the false information.