Minnesota lawmakers working to amplify penalties for swatting incidents

(St. Paul, MN) -- The action of making a false emergency call to authorities with the intent of sending police to an 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 have those found guilty of swatting face up to one year in prison and a $5,000 fine. The legislation was sent to the House floor last week, pending a vote.