Preserving Safe Communities by Ending Swatting Act of 2025

Bill 119 HR 286, also known as the "False Emergency Response Act," aims to amend Title 18 of the United States Code in order to penalize individuals who make false communications with the intent of causing an emergency response. The bill seeks to address the growing issue of false reports and hoaxes that lead to unnecessary emergency responses, putting both the public and first responders at risk.

Under this proposed legislation, individuals who knowingly make false statements or reports that result in emergency response resources being deployed could face criminal penalties. This includes false reports of bomb threats, active shooters, or other dangerous situations that prompt law enforcement, fire departments, or other emergency services to respond.

The bill also includes provisions to ensure that individuals who make genuine mistakes or errors in reporting emergencies are not unfairly penalized. It aims to strike a balance between deterring false communications that waste resources and endanger lives, while also protecting individuals who may unintentionally provide inaccurate information during an emergency situation. Overall, Bill 119 HR 286 seeks to address the serious issue of false communications that lead to unnecessary emergency responses, by imposing penalties on those who knowingly make false reports with the intent of causing an emergency response. The bill aims to protect the public and first responders, while also ensuring that individuals who make genuine mistakes are not unfairly punished.