US SB38

Amends 18 U.S.C. § 1038 to criminalize intentionally conveying false or misleading information that may reasonably be expected to cause an emergency response, commonly known as "swatting"

Establishes criminal penalties of up to 5 years imprisonment for the base offense, up to 20 years if serious bodily injury results, and up to life imprisonment if death results

Creates civil liability allowing any party that incurs expenses from an emergency or investigative response to swatting to recover those costs from the offender

Defines "emergency response" broadly to include deployment of personnel or equipment, evacuation orders, or public warnings by federal, state, or local public safety agencies, as well as private nonprofit fire or rescue organizations

Introduced January 9, 2025 by Senators Scott (FL), Tuberville, and Rounds; referred to the Senate Judiciary Committee