Preserving Safe Communities by Ending Swatting Act of 2025

# Preserving Safe Communities by Ending Swatting Act of 2025 - Summary **What the bill would do:** This bill would make "swatting" a federal crime. Swatting occurs when someone intentionally makes a false emergency report (typically calling 911 with a fake threat) to send police or emergency responders to someone's home or location. The bill targets people who knowingly provide false or misleading information that causes emergency response teams to react to a situation that doesn't actually exist. **Who it affects and key provisions:** The bill would primarily impact people who engage in swatting, which has become a harassment tactic often used in online disputes or gaming communities. It would also affect emergency response systems and the people who become victims of swatting incidents.

The bill creates criminal penalties for intentionally making these false reports when there's a reasonable expectation that emergency services will respond and when the false information suggests criminal activity or a threat to safety. **Current status:** The bill (S. 38) was introduced by Senator Rick Scott (R-FL) in the 119th Congress and is currently in committee, meaning it has not yet been voted on by the full Senate. It remains in the early stages of the legislative process.