Staff Analysis of the Legislation
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House Bill 118 replaces the offense of "transmitting a false public alarm" with the
offense of "making an unlawful request for emergency services assistance." A person commits this offense
when he/she knowingly and intentionally transmits in any manner a request for emergency services assistance
when there is no reasonable ground for believing the information which forms the basis of the request. It is also
an offense when the request involves or relates to: a purported destructive device or hazardous substance
located in a place where the detonation or release would endanger human life, cause injury or damage to
property; an individual who has purportedly caused or threatened physical harm to themselves or another
person by using a deadly weapon or any instrument that is likely to result in serious bodily injury; an individual
who has purportedly committed a criminal act involving the use or threat of physical force or violence or an act
constituting an immediate threat to any person's life or safety; or the use of any electronic device or software to
alter or conceal or attempt to alter or conceal the requestor's identity.
The bill establishes felony guilt for an unlawful request which results in serious bodily harm or death from the
response of a public safety agency and a minimum sentence upon conviction of imprisonment for one but not
more than 10 years and a minimum fine of $5,000. |
