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Bill

SB 782

Relating to: intentionally sending false text messages to 911 and providing a penalty.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Van Wanggaard

Wisconsin criminalizes intentional false text messages to 911 with penalties, addressing emergency system abuse through text-based communication channels.

Presented to the Governor on 4-2-2026
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SB 782

Legislative bill overview

SB 782 creates criminal penalties for intentionally sending false text messages to 911 emergency services. The bill establishes this as a distinct offense separate from existing false report laws, with specific provisions addressing text-based communications to emergency systems.

Why is this important

False 911 reports waste critical emergency resources, delay response to genuine emergencies, and can endanger lives. As text-to-911 systems become more widely available, legislators are addressing abuse of this communication channel with targeted penalties to deter misuse.

Potential points of contention

  • Penalty severity: Questions about whether penalties are proportionate, particularly for first-time or accidental false reports versus intentional abuse
  • Distinction from existing law: Unclear whether this creates necessary new protections or duplicates coverage already in Wisconsin's false reporting statutes
  • Intent standard: The "intentionally" requirement may create prosecutorial challenges in cases where someone sends messages they believe are true but contain false information

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

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