Over the last several years, the number of swatting incidents has increased dramatically. Just recently, a number of colleges and universities across the nation received calls about potential active-shooters or bomb threats in the school. Several Pennsylvania colleges and universities received these calls, prompting immediate emergency response and panic. In addition to taking away resources and first responders from other emergencies, these incidents caused chaos, with students and staff left to protect themselves against what could have been a real, deadly threat.
 
My bill aims to address this by creating a sentencing enhancement for terroristic threats against a school entity or institution of higher education. In addition, courts would also be able to, at their discretion, order restitution to cover the costs of supplies, equipment, materials, and lost wages of affected employees and first responders.

False threats towards our schools, where students and staff should feel safe, not only cause panic, but waste valuable resources and time. By strengthening the provisions of our current law, my bill will provide greater protection to our communities and create a greater deterrent for those who may seek to engage in this activity. Please join me in sponsoring this legislation.