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Bill

HB 199

False reporting of crimes against schools; prescribe penalties to be imposed upon minor defendants.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Kimberly Remak

Establishes criminal penalties for minors making false crime reports against schools to deter bomb threats and violence hoaxes disrupting education and straining law enforcement resources.

Died In Committee
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 199

Legislative bill overview

HB 199 would establish criminal penalties for minors who make false reports of crimes against schools, such as bomb threats or threats of violence. The bill appears designed to deter school safety hoaxes by holding juvenile offenders accountable through the criminal justice system rather than relying solely on school discipline.

Why is this important

False crime reports against schools disrupt education, waste law enforcement resources, and create unnecessary fear and trauma among students and staff. These incidents have increased nationally, making legislative responses to deter them a growing policy concern for states balancing school safety with appropriate juvenile justice practices.

Potential points of contention

  • Juvenile justice philosophy: Criminalizing minors for false reports may conflict with rehabilitation-focused approaches to juvenile offenses and could create permanent records affecting future opportunities
  • Proportionality concerns: Questions about whether criminal penalties are appropriate for false reports versus administrative or civil remedies, especially for younger children
  • Definition specificity: The bill's language regarding what constitutes "false reporting" and how it distinguishes prank calls from genuine threats could affect enforcement consistency and fairness
  • First Amendment considerations: Potential free speech implications depending on how "false report" is defined and whether it covers speech made without intent to create actual danger

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

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