The bill amends Section 13A-10-9 of the Code of Alabama 1975 to expand the definition of the crime of false reporting to include false reports made to local, state, or federal law enforcement authorities. It specifies that a person commits this crime if they knowingly make or cause the transmission of a false report regarding a crime. The penalties for false reporting are also revised; it is classified as a Class A misdemeanor, except when the false report alleges imminent danger to a person or the public, in which case it is classified as a Class C felony.

Additionally, the bill introduces a provision requiring individuals convicted of false reporting, where the false report leads to an emergency response or investigation, to pay restitution for the expenses incurred by law enforcement or assisting governmental agencies. This includes reasonable costs associated with police, firefighting, and emergency medical services. The bill is set to take effect on October 1, 2024, and is exempt from further requirements under Section 111.05 of the Constitution of Alabama of 2022, as it defines a new crime or amends an existing one.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 13A-10-9
Engrossed: 13A-10-9
Enrolled: 13A-10-9