Preserving Safe Communities by Ending Swatting Act of 2025

This bill targets “swatting” — making false reports that trigger police, fire, or rescue responses. It makes it a federal crime to intentionally share false or misleading information that could reasonably cause an emergency response, including by phone, online, or mail. Penalties can be up to 5 years in prison; up to 20 years if someone is seriously hurt; and up to life in prison if someone dies. It also lets agencies and others recover the costs of the emergency response from the person who made the false report. The bill defines “emergency response” broadly to include sending personnel or equipment, evacuation orders, or public warnings by government safety agencies or nonprofit fire/rescue groups .

Key points:

• Who is affected: People who make false emergency claims; police, fire, and rescue agencies; communities targeted by swatting .
• What changes: Creates federal criminal penalties for swatting; allows civil recovery of response costs; defines what counts as an emergency response .
• When: Would take effect after becoming law (it amends existing federal criminal law) .