The House Courts and Criminal Code Committee heard SB 198 on crime of swatting, sponsored by Rep. Ireland. Author Sen. Freeman introduced the bill, which specifies that, for purposes of the crime of false informing, hindering a “law enforcement process” includes causing a law enforcement officer to be dispatched. The bill also enhances the penalty for making a false report that a person is dangerous to a Level 6 felony if the offense causes a person to feel terrorized, frightened, intimidated, or threatened.
The Committee amended the bill by consent to specify that a sentencing enhancement applies if the act would cause a reasonable person to feel terrorized, frightened, intimidated, or threatened. The Indianapolis Jewish Community Relations Council testified in support of the bill. The amended bill passed 13-0.
Read the bill at: https://iga.in.gov/legislative/2025/bills/senate/198