S.B. No. 292 Summary

• Creates new offense of "swatting" under section 2917.321 of the Revised Code, prohibiting persons from purposely triggering an emergency response by reporting false or misleading information to law enforcement, emergency service providers, or public safety answering points when no emergency response is warranted.

• Establishes swatting as a third-degree felony, with enhanced penalties to first-degree felony if the violation results in serious physical harm to any person.

• Exempts authorized emergency drills from the swatting prohibition.

• Requires courts to order law enforcement agencies and emergency service providers involved in the false emergency response to file itemized cost statements, allowing courts to order offenders to reimburse agencies for costs incurred during the emergency response.

• Amends section 2929.18 to add reimbursement for swatting costs as an allowable financial sanction in felony sentencing.