Minnesota HF3209 increases criminal penalties for swatting, including fines and imprisonment, effective August 1, 2025.

Minnesota HF3209 increases penalties for swatting, a practice of making false emergency calls. The bill amends Minnesota Statutes to impose higher fines and imprisonment terms for those who cause emergency responses resulting in bodily harm. For instance, if someone suffers great bodily harm or death due to a swatting call, the offender faces up to ten years in prison or a $20,000 fine, or both. If substantial bodily harm results, the penalty is up to three years in prison or a $10,000 fine, or both.

Minnesota HF3209 increases criminal penalties for swatting, including fines and imprisonment, effective August 1, 2025.

Minnesota HF3209 increases penalties for swatting, a practice of making false emergency calls. The bill amends Minnesota Statutes to impose higher fines and imprisonment terms for those who cause emergency responses resulting in bodily harm. For instance, if someone suffers great bodily harm or death due to a swatting call, the offender faces up to ten years in prison or a $20,000 fine, or both. If substantial bodily harm results, the penalty is up to three years in prison or a $10,000 fine, or both.