The bill establishes a new felony offense for individuals who report a fictitious emergency with the intent of prompting an emergency response to the homes of specific officials, including elected officials, judges, prosecuting attorneys, correctional facility employees, and peace officers. The offense is defined under a new subdivision added to Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 609.78, which stipulates that violators may face imprisonment for up to one year, a fine of up to $5,000, or both. This provision aims to enhance public safety by deterring false emergency reports that could endanger the targeted officials and disrupt emergency services.

Additionally, the bill amends the definition of "emergency call" in subdivision 3 of the same statute to include the new subdivision 2c. The definition clarifies that "call" encompasses various communication methods, such as telephones, emails, and text messages, while maintaining that an "emergency call" does not necessarily require the existence of an emergency. The effective date for these changes is set for August 1, 2024, applying to crimes committed on or after that date.

Statutes affected:
Introduction: 609.78