COLUMBUS, Ohio — The Ohio Attorney General, Dave Yost, has applauded the state’s 134th General Assembly for approving legislation that prohibits swatting, the practice of reporting a false crime or emergency with the aim of provoking an emergency response from law enforcement. Yost praised the members of the legislature who helped to advance the legislation, including Rep. Kevin Miller and former Rep. Rick Carfagna in the House, and Sen. Andrew Benner in the Senate.
The Ohio School Safety Center has reported that reports of false threats of violence at schools in the state have more than doubled over the past year, with several schools being “swatted” on the same morning in September alone. Chillicothe High School was among the districts that experienced an active shooter hoax.
House Bill 462 makes swatting a fourth-degree felony, which can be enhanced to a second-degree felony if serious bodily harm occurs as a result of the call.
“There will finally be appropriate penalties and sanctions for those who choose to engage in this extremely dangerous behavior,” said Rep. Miller (R-Newark). “This makes a clear statement that swatting will not be tolerated in Ohio.”
The bill awaits Governor Mike DeWine’s signature.
