The bill aims to enhance public safety by increasing criminal penalties for swatting, which involves making false emergency calls that prompt a police response. It amends Minnesota Statutes 2024, specifically sections 244.05 and 609.78. Notably, the bill introduces a new provision that mandates a minimum term of imprisonment for inmates serving life sentences for crimes related to swatting, specifically under section 609.78, subdivision 2a. The amendments also specify that individuals convicted of reporting fictitious emergencies that result in serious injury could face imprisonment for up to 15 years and fines up to $30,000, a significant increase from the previous penalties.

Additionally, the bill revises penalties for swatting incidents targeting specific officials, increasing the maximum imprisonment from one year to ten years and the maximum fine from $5,000 to $20,000. These changes reflect a commitment to addressing the serious nature of swatting and its potential consequences. The effective date for these amendments is set for August 1, 2025, applying to crimes committed on or after that date.

Statutes affected:
Introduction: 244.05, 609.78