Iowa swatting could result in higher sentencing
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(ABC 6 News) – In Iowa, 13 school districts were targeted by swatting calls on Jan. 17.
Swatting involves hoax 911 calls meant to trigger a large law enforcement response.
Now, a bill in the Iowa Legislature is being proposed to create harsher penalties for making a hoax 911 call.
Right now, hoax calls are classified as a misdemeanor, but the bill would make swatting a felony, punishable by up to five years in prison and a potential fine.
If someone is hurt or killed as a result of the hoax, the charge would be raised.