Bill 119 s 38, 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 communications that result in an emergency response 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 misunderstandings are not unfairly penalized. It aims to strike a balance between deterring false reports and protecting individuals who may unintentionally trigger an emergency response.
Overall, the False Emergency Response Act seeks to address the serious consequences of false communications that lead to unnecessary emergency responses, while also safeguarding against potential abuses of the law.