Miller's Bill Prohibiting Swatting Approved by General Assembly

State Rep. Kevin Miller (R-Newark) announces his legislation prohibiting swatting has been approved by the General Assembly during the final legislative session of the year. 

The legislation under House Bill 462 addresses the issue of swatting, which is when an individual intentionally makes a false 9-1-1 call to have first responders respond to an area where there is no emergency.

“With an uptick in these incidents nationwide and in Ohio, we need to crack down on them as they are dangerous for our residents and first responders,” Miller said. “We’re working to deter this type of behavior, and I’m excited to see this bill move forward to the governor.”

Miller has previously pointed out during the committee process that the FBI estimates approximately 400 swatting incidents occur across the country each year, including several in Ohio. 

Under current law, swatting only leads to misdemeanor offenses, but the legislation would make it a fourth-degree felony unless the violation results in serious physical harm to any person then that would make it a second-degree felony. Additionally, an amendment to the bill creates a new pay scale for the Ohio State Highway Patrol, which is intended to be funded through next year’s state budget.

The bill now heads to the governor for his consideration.