MA H2015

Replaces and expands Massachusetts law on false emergency reports ("swatting"), establishing tiered penalties: up to 6 months jail and $200 fine for first offense; up to 1 year and $1,000 fine for repeat offenses

Creates felony charges (up to 5 years state prison and $5,000 fine) when false reports result in death or great bodily harm to any individual

Establishes enhanced penalties for bias-motivated false reports based on race, religion, ethnicity, disability, gender, gender identity, or sexual orientation: up to 2.5 years and $5,000 fine as misdemeanor, or up to 10 years and $10,000 fine as felony if likely to cause death or great bodily harm

Requires convicted offenders in bias-motivated cases to complete a diversity awareness program designed by the Executive Office of Public Safety and Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination

Mandates restitution hearings for all convictions to compensate emergency response providers for costs, and creates a private civil action allowing victims to sue for damages and attorney's fees