The proposed bill, HB2508, amends the existing law on false reporting by expanding the definition to include knowingly initiating a report of a serious offense involving educational institutions or places of worship, with the intent to cause an emergency response. This new classification will categorize such violations as a class 6 felony, whereas current law treats false reporting as a class 1 misdemeanor, escalating to a class 6 felony only for second or subsequent offenses.

Additionally, the bill introduces specific definitions for "educational institution" and "emergency response," clarifying the contexts in which the new false reporting classification applies. It removes the term "offense" from the existing definition of false reporting and aligns the definition of "serious offense" with that provided in another statute. Overall, the bill aims to enhance legal repercussions for false reporting in sensitive environments, thereby promoting public safety.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 13-2907
House Engrossed Version: 13-2907
Chaptered Version: 13-2907