What does Preamble of HR 286 do?

This bill aims to amend title 18, United States Code, to penalize false communications that cause an emergency response. The bill was introduced in the House of Representatives on January 9, 2025.

What does SHORT TITLE. of HR 286 do?

This bill is formally titled the Preserving Safe Communities by Ending Swatting Act of 2025.

What does FALSE COMMUNICATIONS TO CAUSE AN EMERGENCY RESPONSE. of HR 286 do?

This section amends Section 1038 of Title 18, United States Code, concerning false communications to cause an emergency response. The amendment modifies subsection (a) to specify penalties for conveying false or misleading information that indicates a violation of various chapters of Title 18, the Atomic Energy Act, or other specified sections. Penalties include fines, imprisonment of up to 5 years, 20 years if serious bodily injury results, or life imprisonment if death results. The amendment adds subsection (b) to establish civil liability for parties incurring expenses due to an emergency or investigative response resulting from false or misleading information. Subsection (b) allows liable parties to be sued for expenses incurred during the emergency response. The amendment defines 'emergency response' as the deployment of personnel or equipment, evacuation orders, or warnings issued by public safety agencies or private non-profit organizations providing fire or rescue functions.

Back to bills

Preserving Safe Communities by Ending Swatting Act of 2025 — HR. 286

Last updated: 1/9/2025 · Introduced: 1/9/2025

Author: David Kustoff (R-TN)

TL;DR (AI)

This bill increases criminal penalties, including imprisonment of up to 5, 20, or life years, for falsely reporting incidents that trigger emergency responses.
It establishes civil liability, allowing parties to sue those who make false reports that result in emergency response expenses.
The bill defines 'emergency response' to include deployment of personnel, evacuations, and warnings issued by public safety agencies or related organizations.

119th Congressin committeeOfficial page

Verified Votes

No verified votes yet.

Community Votes

No community votes yet. Be the first!

Voting as guest · Sign in for verified votes

Other Sections

Includes provisions on preamble, short title., and 1 more.

3 sections

Click "Show details" to explore individual sections. Use the community vote above or visit All Sections to vote per section.

Read official text

Want the full experience?

Create a free account to cast verified votes on each section, get a personalized summary, and track your voting history.

Create Free Account