HB78 Summary

• Creates the crime of "swatting" in Alabama Code Section 13A-10-9.1, making it unlawful to knowingly report or cause to be reported false or misleading information regarding a crime or emergency to law enforcement or emergency service providers.

• Establishes four penalty levels based on the severity of the false report: Class A misdemeanor for misdemeanor offenses; Class C felony for felony offenses or emergencies; Class B felony if the response causes physical injury; and Class A felony if the response causes serious physical injury or death.

• Allows prosecution in any county where the false report was made, received by law enforcement, or where emergency responders responded to the report.

• Requires convicted offenders to pay restitution to any individual, agency, or entity that incurs damages as a result of responding to the false report.

• Becomes effective October 1, 2024.