Miller's Bill Prohibiting Swatting Passes Ohio House

State Rep. Kevin Miller (R-Newark) announces legislation he introduced prohibiting swatting has passed in the Ohio House. 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.

“We need to crack down on these incidents that are dangerous to our community and our first responders working to keep everyone safe,” Miller said. “This is a step in the right direction to stop this type of behavior from happening here in Ohio.”

Under current law, swatting only leads to misdemeanor offenses, but the legislation would make it a third-degree felony unless the violation results in serious physical harm to any person then that would make it a second-degree felony.

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. Additionally, the committee process had several organizations submit testimony in support of the legislation.

The bill now heads to the Senate for further consideration.