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SB 203

Criminal procedure: sentencing guidelines; sentencing guidelines for summoning law enforcement to residence through intentional false report of a serious law enforcement emergency; establish. Amends sec. 16t, ch. XVII of 1927 PA 175 (MCL 777.16t). TIE BAR WITH: SB 202'25

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Dayna Polehanki

Michigan bill establishing sentencing guidelines for intentionally false emergency reports (swatting) to dispatch armed police to residences.

REFERRED TO COMMITTEE ON CIVIL RIGHTS, JUDICIARY, AND PUBLIC SAFETY
#communications:emergency9-1-1 #crimes:other #crimes:telecommunications #criminalprocedure:sentencingguidelines #lawenforcement:other
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Bill Summary · SB 203

Legislative bill overview

SB 203 amends Michigan's sentencing guidelines to establish specific penalties for intentionally making false reports of serious law enforcement emergencies to send police to someone's residence. This appears to target "swatting" — the dangerous practice of falsely reporting emergencies like hostage situations or armed standoffs to dispatch armed police to a target's home.

Why is this important

Swatting has resulted in deaths, injuries, and psychological trauma to victims and their families. Without specific sentencing guidelines, judges lack standardized direction on appropriate penalties for this offense. This bill creates statutory guidance to ensure consistent, proportionate consequences across the state for a crime that can easily turn lethal.

Potential points of contention

  • Defining "serious law enforcement emergency": The bill's effectiveness depends on how narrowly or broadly this phrase is defined; overly broad language could capture borderline cases, while narrow language might miss dangerous scenarios.
  • Sentencing severity: Advocates for victims may argue penalties are insufficient deterrent; civil liberties advocates may argue swatting charges could be weaponized against legitimate emergency reporters or that sentencing guidelines overreach.
  • Tie-bar dependency: The bill's actual text and implementation depend on SB 202, creating legislative uncertainty about the final scope and practical effect.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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