The bill, H.B. No. 268, aims to increase the criminal penalties for making false reports, specifically those that trigger emergency responses. It amends Article 42.037(w) of the Code of Criminal Procedure to allow courts to order restitution for the reasonable costs incurred by emergency response entities due to false reports. Additionally, it modifies Section 42.06(b) of the Penal Code to classify offenses under this section as Class A misdemeanors, with escalated penalties depending on the nature of the false report. If the false report involves emergencies related to public or private educational institutions, it is classified as a felony of the third degree, while other types of false reports may be classified as state jail felonies.

The bill also clarifies that the changes in law will only apply to offenses committed on or after its effective date of September 1, 2025. Offenses committed prior to this date will be governed by the law in effect at that time, ensuring that individuals are not retroactively penalized under the new provisions. This legislative change is intended to deter false reporting and ensure that those who cause unnecessary emergency responses are held accountable for the associated costs.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Penal Code 42.06 (Penal Code 42)