Hoax emergency calls known as swatting could become a felony in Minnesota

(St. Paul, MN)  --  The action of making a false emergency call to authorities with the intent of sending police to a n elected official's home could soon become a felony in Minnesota.  

Republican House Minority Leader Lisa Demuth is sponsoring the proposed bill.  

The legislation would increase the current anti-swatting measure from a gross misdemeanor to a felony.

The proposed bill would also find those found guilty of swatting could face up to one year in prison and a five thousand dollar fine.  

The legislation was sent to the House floor last week, pending a vote.