1. (a) For the purposes of this section, the following terms have the following meanings:

   1. (1) EMERGENCY. Either of the following:

      1. a. Any condition that results in, or is likely to result in, the response of a law enforcement agency or emergency service provider acting in their official capacity.
      2. b. Any condition that jeopardized or is likely to jeopardize public safety and results in, or is likely to result in, the evacuation of any area, building, structure, or vehicle.
   2. (2) EMERGENCY SERVICE PROVIDER. As defined in Section 11-98-1.
   3. (3) LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCY. As defined in Section 15-5-62.

2. (b) A person commits the crime of swatting if he or she knowingly reports, or causes to be reported, false or misleading information regarding a crime or emergency to a law enforcement agency or emergency service provider under circumstances where the false or misleading information is likely to cause a response from a law enforcement agency or an emergency service provider.

   1. (1) A violation of this subsection is a Class A misdemeanor if the false or misleading report is of a misdemeanor offense.
   2. (2) A violation of this subsection is a Class C felony if the false or misleading report is of a felony offense or emergency.
   3. (3) A violation of this subsection is a Class B felony if the false or misleading report is of a felony offense or emergency and the emergency response causes physical injury to any person.
   4. (4) A violation of this subsection is a Class A felony if the false or misleading report is of a felony offense or emergency and the emergency response causes serious physical injury or death to any person.
3. (c) For the purposes of determining venue, a violation of this section shall be considered to be committed in any county: (i) where the false or misleading report was made; (ii) where the false or misleading report was received by a law enforcement agency or emergency service provider; or (iii) in which a law enforcement agency or emergency service provider responded to the false or misleading report.
4. (d) Any person convicted of this section shall be ordered to pay restitution to any individual, agency, or entity who incurs damages as a proximate result of responding to the false report.

(Act 2024-297, §1.)