Preserving Safe Communities by Ending Swatting Act of 2025

This bill significantly amends section 1038 of title 18, United States Code, to strengthen federal law against false communications intended to cause an emergency response, often referred to as "swatting." It expands the scope of prohibited conduct to include false or misleading information conveyed through interstate commerce that is reasonably expected to trigger an emergency response, indicating a crime or danger to public health or safety. The legislation aims to deter such dangerous hoaxes by increasing the severity of criminal penalties. Under the revised law, individuals engaging in such conduct could face up to **five years imprisonment**, with penalties escalating significantly if harm occurs. If **serious bodily injury** results from the false communication, the offender could be imprisoned for up to **20 years**, and if **death results**, the penalty could be imprisonment for any number of years up to **life**. Additionally, the bill establishes **civil liability**, allowing any party incurring expenses due to an emergency or investigative response to recover those costs from the individual responsible for the false communication. It also provides a clear definition of "emergency response," encompassing actions by various public safety agencies and private non-profit fire or rescue organizations.