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GA HB790
Bill
Status
Introduced
1/20/2016
Primary Sponsor
Brad Raffensperger
Click for details
AI Summary
- Expands the offense of transmitting a false public alarm beyond bomb/hazardous substance threats to also cover knowingly false reports that an individual has caused or threatened physical harm using a deadly weapon or object likely to result in serious bodily injury ("swatting")
- Adds a definition of "critical infrastructure" as any building, place of assembly, or facility in Georgia necessary for national or public security, education, or public safety
- Changes the base penalty from a felony (1–5 years imprisonment or fine of $1,000+) to a misdemeanor of a high and aggravated nature for a first offense, with second or subsequent violations elevated to a felony punishable by 1–10 years imprisonment, a fine of at least $5,000, or both
- Creates an enhanced felony penalty of 5–10 years imprisonment, a fine of up to $100,000, or both when a false alarm involving a destructive device or hazardous substance targets critical infrastructure
- Requires all law enforcement authorities to submit annual reports by December 1 to the Attorney General on the number and nature of false public alarm offenses and related arrests, with the Attorney General transmitting a biennial summary to the Georgia Emergency Management Agency by February 1
Legislative Description
Crimes and offenses; transmitting a false public alarm; change provisions
Last Action
House Committee Favorably Reported By Substitute
2/18/2016
Full Bill Text
No bill text available