Bill Holding SwattersAccountable Advances in Committee

COLUMBUS – State Representative Kevin Miller (R-Newark) reported today that House Bill 462 has had a successful second hearing. 

The Legislation would prohibit the offense of “Swatting.” Swatting is the act of making a false 911 call to get police or SWAT officers to respond to a location or incident when there is no emergency.  

“The practice of swatting is extremely dangerous to not only the first responders or law enforcement involved but also for those in the community who made need assistance but are unable to receive it due to the swatting,” said Miller. 

Furthermore, swatting is an egregious waste of the resources of our law enforcement as well as the taxpayer's money. 

House Bill 462 received the support today of the AG’s office, Lieutenant Lyon from Genoa Police Department, and Deputy Chief Sallows from the Powell Police Department.

This legislation would make swatting a third-degree felony unless the violation results in serious physical harm to any person at which time it would rise to a first-degree felony.

House Bill 462 now awaits its second hearing in the Ohio House Criminal Justice Committee.