AB 2609: Crimes: false reporting.

Existing law makes it a misdemeanor to report an emergency to specified government entities knowing that report to be false. Existing law makes it a misdemeanor to initiate communication with the 911 emergency system with the intent to annoy or harass another person.

This bill would additionally make those offenses punishable as felonies. make a second or subsequent violation of these provisions punishable as a misdemeanor or felony for a person who is 18 years of age or older. By increasing the penalty for existing crimes, this bill would impose a state-mandated local program.

The California Constitution requires the state to reimburse local agencies and school districts for certain costs mandated by the state. Statutory provisions establish procedures for making that reimbursement.

This bill would provide that no reimbursement is required by this act for a specified reason.