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A bill to amend title 18, United States Code, to penalize false communications to cause an emergency response, and for other purposes.

1/10/2025, 11:56 AM

Summary of Bill S 38

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.

Congressional Summary of S 38

Preserving Safe Communities by Ending Swatting Act of 2025

This bill makes it a crime to intentionally convey false or misleading information in circumstances where the information may reasonably be expected to cause an emergency response and the information indicates the occurrence of criminal conduct or a threat to health or safety (commonly referred to as swatting).

Current Status of Bill S 38

Bill S 38 is currently in the status of Bill Introduced since January 9, 2025. Bill S 38 was introduced during Congress 119 and was introduced to the Senate on January 9, 2025.  Bill S 38's most recent activity was Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary. as of January 9, 2025

Bipartisan Support of Bill S 38

Total Number of Sponsors
1
Democrat Sponsors
0
Republican Sponsors
1
Unaffiliated Sponsors
0
Total Number of Cosponsors
2
Democrat Cosponsors
0
Republican Cosponsors
2
Unaffiliated Cosponsors
0

Policy Area and Potential Impact of Bill S 38

Primary Policy Focus

Alternate Title(s) of Bill S 38

A bill to amend title 18, United States Code, to penalize false communications to cause an emergency response, and for other purposes.
A bill to amend title 18, United States Code, to penalize false communications to cause an emergency response, and for other purposes.

Comments

Rivka Ferrell profile image

Rivka Ferrell

391

10 months ago

I can't believe this new bill is gonna make it illegal to make false calls that cause emergencies. This is just gonna make things harder for everyone. #confused