An Act relative to false reporting of an emergency
This bill (HD 554) creates new criminal penalties for intentionally making false emergency calls to police, fire, or medical services in Massachusetts. It directly affects individuals who report fake emergencies or make "silent calls" (calls without providing location or emergency details), with stricter penalties for repeat offenses or bias-motivated reports (e.g., based on race, religion, or sexual orientation). Penalties range from up to 6 months in jail or a $200 fine for first offenses, to up to 5 years in prison for false reports causing serious harm or death. The bill also requires courts to order restitution to emergency services for costs incurred and mandates diversity training for bias-motivated offenders.
Bill status
passed
3 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Feb 2025
Committee Review
Feb 2025
Senate Passage
Feb 2025
Governor
Introduced Feb 27, 2025
Last action Mar 26, 2026
Floor votes
How they voted
This bill passed the Senate. No roll call record of that vote is available.
Full legislative history
Actions timeline
Total actions
4
Key actions
1
Committee
1
Feb 27, 2025
Upper · Passed
Senate concurred
upper
Feb 27, 2025
Committee
Referred to the committee on The Judiciary
lower
0 primary · 1 co-sponsor
Sponsors
No sponsor information available.
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