CRIME, POLICE + COURTS

Utah bill targets adults and students who swat public schools

Jan 17, 2024, 3:22 PM | Updated: Mar 13, 2024, 4:33 pm

Police maintain a presence after responding to false threats of shots fired at Ogden High School in...

FILE: Police maintain a presence after responding to false threats of shots fired at Ogden High School in Ogden on Wednesday, March 29, 2023. Police agencies along the Wasatch Front and northern Utah responded to similar reports of school violence on Wednesday morning. (Kristin Murphy/Deseret News)

(Kristin Murphy/Deseret News)

Editor’s note: This story has been edited to reflect the correct names of the bill sponsors.

SALT LAKE CITY — A bill passed by the Utah House would give harsher penalties for adults and students who swat Utah public schools.

HB14 School Threat Penalty Assessments, sponsored by Rep. Ryan D. Wilcox, R-Ogden, and Sen. Don Ipson, R-St. George, would elevate swatting to a second-degree felony. The bill passed out of the Utah House on a vote of 73-1.

Swatting occurs when a hoax call is made to 911 which prompts an extreme police response to a bogus threat, like the use of SWAT teams.

If passed by the Utah Senate, swatting a school could be punishable by up to 15 years in prison and a $10,000 fine. A school could suspend or expel students found guilty of swatting.

Last year Utah experienced a large-scale swat attempt against multiple schools from Logan to St. George.

The swat was a costly prank, for both Utah law enforcement and healthcare providers who quickly prepared to respond to the hoax.

Related: The search for the caller behind Utah’s 13 school hoaxes

We want to hear from you.

Have a story idea or tip? Send it to the KSL NewsRadio team here.

Crime, Police + Courts

judge retention bill...

Adam Small

Utah bill proposes 67% vote requirement for judicial retention

Under current Utah law, a simple majority is needed in the general election for judicial retention.

21 hours ago

A Uintah County woman is accused of putting Borax in her children's water, allegedly to help their ...

Pat Reavy, KSL.com

Utah woman accused of putting Borax in her children’s water

Prosecutors say since the beginning of the school year in August, the suspect, Barbara Susan Williford, 47, "had been putting a pinch of Borax in her minor child's water."

2 days ago

A Unified Police Department vehicle sits in a neighborhood in Big Cottonwood Canyon on Friday, Feb....

Michael Houck

SWAT arrests man suspected of robbing a Utah bank and sending threats to another

SALT LAKE CITY — A man is accused of robbing a bank and stealing a dollar amount to reference the 9/11 attacks. On Thursday, Unified police and the FBI were called to a robbery that happened at a Chase Bank on 2855 E, 3300 South in Millcreek. Witnesses told investigators that a white man with […]

2 days ago

FILE — A Salt Lake City Police Department squad car. Salt Lake City Police Department’s Bike Sq...

Diana Jones

SLCPD officers arrest two people suspected of drug trafficking in Library Square

On Thursday, Salt Lake City Police Department’s Bike Squad arrested two men for suspected drug-trafficking operation in Library Square. 

4 days ago

FILE - A police vehicle flashes its lights. (Getty)...

Michael Houck

Pedestrian killed after being hit by a vehicle, Santa Clara-Ivins police say

A woman was fatally hit by a vehicle Friday evening, Santa Clara-Ivins police say.

5 days ago

Santa Clara murder charges...

Jacob Freeman

Charges brought against 15-year-old in Santa Clara murder case

A 15-year-old has been charged for killing a family member and wounding another in a Santa Clara home on Jan. 30.

5 days ago

Sponsored Articles

Full speed through the snow. A man on skis is pulled by his through the snow at full gallop Skijori...

Bear Lake Convention and Visitors Bureau

Get ready for an unforgettable skijoring adventure in Bear Lake!

“Skijoring the Bear” takes place this year on February 21-22 in Garden City, Utah.

the bedroom in a geodesic dome shows the night sky...

Clear Sky Resorts Bryce Canyon

Your front row to an extraordinary cosmos show

As America's first glass dome stargazing resort, Clear Sky Resorts Bryce Canyon is one of the world’s most unique and spectacular places to stay.

2 people huddled up in a blanket and warm clothes sipping hot chocolate...

Bear Lake Convention & Visitors Bureau

The best ways to spend your Christmas vacation in Bear Lake

If you're dreaming of a white Christmas this year, Bear Lake should definitely be on your radar. Read this guide for more!

big crowd of people under holiday lights in an outdoor market...

Western Nut

Our favorite family Christmas activities in Utah

We gathered up a list of our favorite activities, movies, and treats to try this holiday season that the whole family can enjoy.

an IT tech looks at a laptop in front of a server network...

Comcast Business

Tips to protect yourself from phishing attacks

Check out this resource from Comcast Business to learn more about phishing attacks and how to protect yourself from becoming a victim of one.

A surprise gift, wrapped and ready to bring holiday cheer! Whether for Christmas, a birthday, or an...

Western Nut

10 Holiday Gift Ideas to cover everyone on your list

This guide is for you if you need holiday gift ideas that will make a lasting impression. 

Utah bill targets adults and students who swat public schools