(The Center Square) – A rise in swatting, defined as bogus emergency calls meant to trigger an armed police response, particularly at Pennsylvania schools and universities, has prompted a legislative push in Harrisburg.
Supporters of several bills moving through both chambers of the General Assembly say these hoax calls threaten public safety by diverting first responders from real emergencies – and they want tougher penalties for those convicted.
In August, several false active shooter reports targeted Villanova University, followed by similar incidents at West Chester, Millersville, and Shippensburg universities, and at Grove City College.
Multiple “swatting” bills awaiting action from the House Judiciary Committee would create increased penalties and order convicted offenders to reimburse state and local agencies for response costs.
Currently, swatting cases are typically prosecuted under existing statutes such as false reports to law enforcement or terroristic threats, with penalties that can range from misdemeanors to felonies depending on the circumstances.
In October, Rep. Craig Williams, R-Chadds Ford, introduced a package of bills aimed at holding offenders accountable.
House Bill 1912 would create a stand-alone swatting offense, grading it as a felony, while House Bill 1911 would permit courts to order those convicted to reimburse costs, including personnel time, prosecution, and equipment.
Williams told The Center Square he introduced the bills after the District Attorney of Delaware County approached him about making swatting a distinct crime, “so that he might prosecute future instances like we saw at Villanova and other places in the Commonwealth.”
He added, “The Chair of the Judiciary Committee instead ran his own bill which would make swatting a sentencing enhancement on making false statements. To my mind, that comes nowhere close to treating seriously domestic terror during this dangerous moment in our nation.”
House Judiciary Committee Chair Rep. Tim Briggs, D-King of Prussia, introduced House Bill 1935, which creates sentencing enhancements for false threats made against schools or colleges, and allows courts to use their discretion in ordering restitution to cover costs.
In the Senate, lawmakers have advanced related proposals.
Senate Bill 96, introduced by Sen. Michele Brooks, R-Greenville, creates felony penalties for making terroristic threats that involve a school or an institution of higher education. It would also require anyone convicted to reimburse the costs of the emergency response. The measure passed the Senate in April by a 37-12 vote and was referred to the House Judiciary Committee.
Sens. Vincent Hughes, D-Philadelphia, and Wayne Langerholc, R-Johnstown, are seeking similar provisions through Senate Bill 175, which passed its first consideration unanimously and awaits further action in that chamber.
“It is absurd that hoax calls of active shooters – which is intended as an act of terrorism – is not currently a crime in Pennsylvania. We must remedy that immediately. Our safety demands it,” said Williams in a press release.
Briggs did not respond to a request for comment.
