WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

HB 268

Relating to increasing the criminal penalty for making certain false reports and to restitution for emergency response costs associated with those false reports.

89th Legislature (2025) Introduced by Brooks Landgraf and 2 co-sponsors

Texas bill increases criminal penalties for false emergency reports and mandates restitution to cover government emergency response costs.

Left pending in committee
#crimes--miscellaneous(i0200) #criminalprocedure--general(i0208) #education--higher--institutions&programs(i0223) #education--primary&secondary--general(i0230)
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 268

Legislative bill overview

HB 268 increases criminal penalties for making false reports (such as fake 911 calls or false emergency reports) and establishes a restitution mechanism requiring those convicted to compensate government entities for emergency response costs. The bill aims to deter frivolous or malicious false reports that waste public resources and emergency services.

Why is this important

False reports drain limited emergency response resources, delay response to genuine emergencies, and cost taxpayers significant money. Establishing financial consequences through restitution creates accountability while enhanced penalties serve as a deterrent. This addresses a measurable problem: departments nationwide report responding to thousands of false reports annually.

Potential points of contention

  • Restitution burden on low-income offenders: Requiring payment for emergency response costs could create significant financial hardship for poorer defendants and raise questions about ability to pay versus willingness to pay
  • Scope ambiguity: The bill's reference to "certain false reports" lacks specificity—unclear whether it covers all false emergency reports or targets specific categories, potentially creating inconsistent enforcement
  • Proportionality concerns: Enhanced criminal penalties combined with mandatory restitution could be viewed as stacking consequences, particularly for first-time offenders or cases lacking clear malicious intent

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

Sign in to ask a question.