CERTIFICATION OF ENROLLMENT
SUBSTITUTE HOUSE BILL 2632
66TH LEGISLATURE
2020 REGULAR SESSION
Passed by the House March 11, 2020
  Yeas 90  Nays 7
Speaker of the House of Representatives
Passed by the Senate March 10, 2020
  Yeas 49  Nays 0
President of the Senate
CERTIFICATE
I, Bernard Dean, Chief Clerk of the House of Representatives of the State of Washington, do hereby certify that the attached is SUBSTITUTE HOUSE BILL 2632 as passed by the House of Representatives and the Senate on the dates hereon set forth.
Chief Clerk
Chief Clerk
Approved
FILED
Secretary of State
State of Washington
SUBSTITUTE HOUSE BILL 2632
AS AMENDED BY THE SENATE
Passed Legislature - 2020 Regular Session
State of Washington
66th Legislature
2020 Regular Session
ByHouse Public Safety (originally sponsored by Representatives Valdez, Griffey, Ryu, Pellicciotti, Pollet, Orwall, Gregerson, Goodman, Irwin, Ramos, Slatter, Entenman, Davis, and Macri)
READ FIRST TIME 02/07/20.
AN ACT Relating to false reporting of a crime or emergency; amending RCW 9A.84.040; reenacting and amending RCW 9.94A.515; adding a new section to chapter 4.24 RCW; creating a new section; and prescribing penalties.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:
NEW SECTION.  Sec. 1. The legislature recognizes that false reporting laws criminalize the knowingly false reporting of certain occurrences that are likely to cause unwarranted evacuations, public inconvenience, or alarm. Recently, however, false reporting and the 911 system have been weaponized, resulting in serious dangers and even lost lives. The term "swatting" describes the false reporting of an emergency with the goal of having a police unit or special weapons and tactics team deployed. The reckless act of swatting, often motivated by the perpetrator's bias towards protected classes, has caused death and trauma in some cases. As such, the legislature finds that a gross misdemeanor is insufficient as a legal response and hereby create felony false reporting punishments when the false reporting leads to injury or death.
Sec. 2. RCW 9A.84.040 and 2011 c 336 s 411 are each amended to read as follows:
(1) A person ((is guilty of))commits false reporting if, with knowledge that the information reported, conveyed, or circulated is false, he or she initiates or circulates a false report or warning of an alleged occurrence or impending occurrence ((of a fire, explosion, crime, catastrophe, or emergency)) knowing that such false report is likely to cause ((evacuation)): Evacuation of a building, place of assembly, or transportation facility((, or to cause)); public inconvenience or alarm; or an emergency response.
(2)(a) A person is guilty of false reporting in the first degree if the report was made with reckless disregard for the safety of others, the false reporting caused an emergency response, and death is sustained by any person as a proximate result of an emergency response. False reporting in the first degree is a class B felony.
(b) A person is guilty of false reporting in the second degree if the report was made with reckless disregard for the safety of others, the false reporting caused an emergency response, and substantial bodily harm is sustained by any person as a proximate result of an emergency response. False reporting in the second degree is a class C felony.
(c) A person is guilty of false reporting in the third degree if he or she commits false reporting under circumstances not constituting false reporting in the first or second degree. False reporting in the third degree is a gross misdemeanor.
(3) Any criminal offense committed under this section may be deemed to have been committed either at the place from which the false report was made, at the place where the false report was received by law enforcement, or at the place where an evacuation, public inconvenience or alarm, or emergency response occurred.
(4) Where a case is legally sufficient to charge a person under the age of eighteen with the crime of false reporting and the alleged offense is the offender's first violation of this section, the prosecutor may divert the case.
(5) For the purposes of this section, "emergency response" means any action to protect life, health, or property by:
(a) A peace officer or law enforcement agency of the United States, the state, or a political subdivision of the state; or
(b) An agency of the United States, the state, or a political subdivision of the state, or a private not-for-profit organization that provides fire, rescue, or emergency medical services.
(6) Nothing in this section will be construed to: (a) Impose liability on a person who contacts law enforcement for the purpose of, or in connection with, the reporting of unlawful conduct; (b) conflict with Title 47 U.S.C. Sec. 230 of the communication decency act; or (c) conflict with Title 42 U.S.C. Sec. 1983 of the civil rights act.
NEW SECTION.  Sec. 3. A new section is added to chapter 4.24 RCW to read as follows:
(1)(a) An individual who is a victim of an offense under RCW 9A.84.040 may bring a civil action against the person who committed the offense or against any person who knowingly benefits, financially or by receiving anything of value, from participation in a venture that the person knew or should have known has engaged in an act in violation of RCW 9A.84.040, and may recover damages and any other appropriate relief, including reasonable attorneys' fees.
(b) A person who is found liable under RCW 9A.84.040 shall be jointly and severally liable with each other person, if any, who is found liable under RCW 9A.84.040 for damages arising from the same violation of RCW 9A.84.040.
(2) Any person convicted of violating RCW 9A.84.040 and that resulted in an emergency response may be liable to a public agency for the reasonable costs of the emergency response by, and at the discretion of, the public agency that incurred the costs.
Sec. 4. RCW 9.94A.515 and 2019 c 271 s 7, 2019 c 243 s 5, 2019 c 64 s 3, and 2019 c 46 s 5009 are each reenacted and amended to read as follows:
 
TABLE 2
 
 
CRIMES INCLUDED WITHIN EACH SERIOUSNESS LEVEL
 
XVI
Aggravated Murder 1 (RCW 10.95.020)
 
XV
Homicide by abuse (RCW 9A.32.055)
 
 
Malicious explosion 1 (RCW 70.74.280(1))
 
 
Murder 1 (RCW 9A.32.030)
 
XIV
Murder 2 (RCW 9A.32.050)
 
 
Trafficking 1 (RCW 9A.40.100(1))
 
XIII
Malicious explosion 2 (RCW 70.74.280(2))
 
 
Malicious placement of an explosive 1 (RCW 70.74.270(1))
 
XII
Assault 1 (RCW 9A.36.011)
 
 
Assault of a Child 1 (RCW 9A.36.120)
 
 
Malicious placement of an imitation device 1 (RCW 70.74.272(1)(a))
 
 
Promoting Commercial Sexual Abuse of a Minor (RCW 9.68A.101)
 
 
Rape 1 (RCW 9A.44.040)
 
 
Rape of a Child 1 (RCW 9A.44.073)
 
 
Trafficking 2 (RCW 9A.40.100(3))
 
XI
Manslaughter 1 (RCW 9A.32.060)
 
 
Rape 2 (RCW 9A.44.050)
 
 
Rape of a Child 2 (RCW 9A.44.076)
 
 
Vehicular Homicide, by being under the influence of intoxicating liquor or any drug (RCW 46.61.520)
 
 
Vehicular Homicide, by the operation of any vehicle in a reckless manner (RCW 46.61.520)
 
X
Child Molestation 1 (RCW 9A.44.083)
 
 
Criminal Mistreatment 1 (RCW 9A.42.020)
 
 
Indecent Liberties (with forcible compulsion) (RCW 9A.44.100(1)(a))
 
 
Kidnapping 1 (RCW 9A.40.020)
 
 
Leading Organized Crime (RCW 9A.82.060(1)(a))
 
 
Malicious explosion 3 (RCW 70.74.280(3))
 
 
Sexually Violent Predator Escape (RCW 9A.76.115)
 
IX
Abandonment of Dependent Person 1 (RCW 9A.42.060)
 
 
Assault of a Child 2 (RCW 9A.36.130)
 
 
Explosive devices prohibited (RCW 70.74.180)
 
 
Hit and Run—Death (RCW 46.52.020(4)(a))
 
 
Homicide by Watercraft, by being under the influence of intoxicating liquor or any drug (RCW 79A.60.050)
 
 
Inciting Criminal Profiteering (RCW 9A.82.060(1)(b))
 
 
Malicious placement of an explosive 2 (RCW 70.74.270(2))
 
 
Robbery 1 (RCW 9A.56.200)
 
 
Sexual Exploitation (RCW 9.68A.040)
 
VIII
Arson 1 (RCW 9A.48.020)
 
 
Commercial Sexual Abuse of a Minor (RCW 9.68A.100)
 
 
Homicide by Watercraft, by the operation of any vessel in a reckless manner (RCW 79A.60.050)
 
 
Manslaughter 2 (RCW 9A.32.070)
 
 
Promoting Prostitution 1 (RCW 9A.88.070)
 
 
Theft of Ammonia (RCW 69.55.010)
 
VII
Air bag diagnostic systems (causing bodily injury or death) (RCW 46.37.660(2)(b))
 
 
Air bag replacement requirements (causing bodily injury or death) (RCW 46.37.660(1)(b))
 
 
Burglary 1 (RCW 9A.52.020)
 
 
Child Molestation 2 (RCW 9A.44.086)
 
 
Civil Disorder Training (RCW 9A.48.120)
 
 
Dealing in depictions of minor engaged in sexually explicit conduct 1 (RCW 9.68A.050(1))
 
 
Drive-by Shooting (RCW 9A.36.045)
 
 
False Reporting 1 (RCW 9A.84.040(2)(a))
 
 
Homicide by Watercraft, by disregard for the safety of others (RCW 79A.60.050)
 
 
Indecent Liberties (without forcible compulsion) (RCW 9A.44.100(1) (b) and (c))
 
 
Introducing Contraband 1 (RCW 9A.76.140)
 
 
Malicious placement of an explosive 3 (RCW 70.74.270(3))
 
 
Manufacture or import counterfeit, nonfunctional, damaged, or previously deployed air bag (causing bodily injury or death) (RCW 46.37.650(1)(b))
 
 
Negligently Causing Death By Use of a Signal Preemption Device (RCW 46.37.675)
 
 
Sell, install, or reinstall counterfeit, nonfunctional, damaged, or previously deployed airbag (RCW 46.37.650(2)(b))
 
 
Sending, bringing into state depictions of minor engaged in sexually explicit conduct 1 (RCW 9.68A.060(1))
 
 
Unlawful Possession of a Firearm in the first degree (RCW 9.41.040(1))
 
 
Use of a Machine Gun or Bump-fire Stock in Commission of a Felony (RCW 9.41.225)
 
 
Vehicular Homicide, by disregard for the safety of others (RCW 46.61.520)
 
VI
Bail Jumping with Murder 1 (RCW 9A.76.170(3)(a))
 
 
Bribery (RCW 9A.68.010)
 
 
Incest 1 (RCW 9A.64.020(1))
 
 
Intimidating a Judge (RCW 9A.72.160)
 
 
Intimidating a Juror/Witness (RCW 9A.72.110, 9A.72.130)
 
 
Malicious placement of an imitation device 2 (RCW 70.74.272(1)(b))
 
 
Possession of Depictions of a Minor Engaged in Sexually Explicit Conduct 1 (RCW 9.68A.070(1))
 
 
Rape of a Child 3 (RCW 9A.44.079)
 
 
Theft of a Firearm (RCW 9A.56.300)
 
 
Theft from a Vulnerable Adult 1 (RCW 9A.56.400(1))
 
 
Unlawful Storage of Ammonia (RCW 69.55.020)
 
V
Abandonment of Dependent Person 2 (RCW 9A.42.070)
 
 
Advancing money or property for extortionate extension of credit (RCW 9A.82.030)
 
 
Air bag diagnostic systems (RCW 46.37.660(2)(c))
 
 
Air bag replacement requirements (RCW 46.37.660(1)(c))
 
 
Bail Jumping with class A Felony (RCW 9A.76.170(3)(b))
 
 
Child Molestation 3 (RCW 9A.44.089)
 
 
Criminal Mistreatment 2 (RCW 9A.42.030)
 
 
Custodial Sexual Misconduct 1 (RCW 9A.44.160)
 
 
Dealing in Depictions of Minor Engaged in Sexually Explicit Conduct 2 (RCW 9.68A.050(2))
 
 
Domestic Violence Court Order Violation (RCW 10.99.040, 10.99.050, 26.09.300, 26.10.220, 26.26B.050, 26.50.110, 26.52.070, or 74.34.145)
 
 
Extortion 1 (RCW 9A.56.120)
 
 
Extortionate Extension of Credit (RCW 9A.82.020)
 
 
Extortionate Means to Collect Extensions of Credit (RCW 9A.82.040)
 
 
Incest 2 (RCW 9A.64.020(2))
 
 
Kidnapping 2 (RCW 9A.40.030)
 
 
Manufacture or import counterfeit, nonfunctional, damaged, or previously deployed air bag (RCW 46.37.650(1)(c))
 
 
Perjury 1 (RCW 9A.72.020)
 
 
Persistent prison misbehavior (RCW 9.94.070)
 
 
Possession of a Stolen Firearm (RCW 9A.56.310)
 
 
Rape 3 (RCW 9A.44.060)
 
 
Rendering Criminal Assistance 1 (RCW 9A.76.070)
 
 
Sell, install, or reinstall counterfeit, nonfunctional, damaged, or previously deployed airbag (RCW 46.37.650(2)(c))
 
 
Sending, Bringing into State Depictions of Minor Engaged in Sexually Explicit Conduct 2 (RCW 9.68A.060(2))
 
 
Sexual Misconduct with a Minor 1 (RCW 9A.44.093)
 
 
Sexually Violating Human Remains (RCW 9A.44.105)
 
 
Stalking (RCW 9A.46.110)
 
 
Taking Motor Vehicle Without Permission 1 (RCW 9A.56.070)
 
IV
Arson 2 (RCW 9A.48.030)
 
 
Assault 2 (RCW 9A.36.021)
 
 
Assault 3 (of a Peace Officer with a Projectile Stun Gun) (RCW 9A.36.031(1)(h))
 
 
Assault 4 (third domestic violence offense) (RCW 9A.36.041(3))
 
 
Assault by Watercraft (RCW 79A.60.060)
 
 
Bribing a Witness/Bribe Received by Witness (RCW 9A.72.090, 9A.72.100)
 
 
Cheating 1 (RCW 9.46.1961)
 
 
Commercial Bribery (RCW 9A.68.060)
 
 
Counterfeiting (RCW 9.16.035(4))
 
 
Driving While Under the Influence (RCW 46.61.502(6))
 
 
Endangerment with a Controlled Substance (RCW 9A.42.100)
 
 
Escape 1 (RCW 9A.76.110)
 
 
Hate Crime (RCW 9A.36.080)
 
 
Hit and Run—Injury (RCW 46.52.020(4)(b))
 
 
Hit and Run with Vessel—Injury Accident (RCW 79A.60.200(3))
 
 
Identity Theft 1 (RCW 9.35.020(2))
 
 
Indecent Exposure to Person Under Age Fourteen (subsequent sex offense) (RCW 9A.88.010)
 
 
Influencing Outcome of Sporting Event (RCW 9A.82.070)
 
 
Physical Control of a Vehicle While Under the Influence (RCW 46.61.504(6))
 
 
Possession of Depictions of a Minor Engaged in Sexually Explicit Conduct 2 (RCW 9.68A.070(2))
 
 
Residential Burglary (RCW 9A.52.025)
 
 
Robbery 2 (RCW 9A.56.210)
 
 
Theft of Livestock 1 (RCW 9A.56.080)
 
 
Threats to Bomb (RCW 9.61.160)
 
 
Trafficking in Stolen Property 1 (RCW 9A.82.050)
 
 
Unlawful factoring of a credit card or payment card transaction (RCW 9A.56.290(4)(b))
 
 
Unlawful transaction of health coverage as a health care service contractor (RCW 48.44.016(3))
 
 
Unlawful transaction of health coverage as a health maintenance organization (RCW 48.46.033(3))
 
 
Unlawful transaction of insurance business (RCW 48.15.023(3))
 
 
Unlicensed practice as an insurance professional (RCW 48.17.063(2))
 
 
Use of Proceeds of Criminal Profiteering (RCW 9A.82.080 (1) and (2))
 
 
Vehicle Prowling 2 (third or subsequent offense) (RCW 9A.52.100(3))
 
 
Vehicular Assault, by being under the influence of intoxicating liquor or any drug, or by the operation or driving of a vehicle in a reckless manner (RCW 46.61.522)
 
 
Viewing of Depictions of a Minor Engaged in Sexually Explicit Conduct 1 (RCW 9.68A.075(1))
 
 
Willful Failure to Return from Furlough (RCW 72.66.060)
 
III
Animal Cruelty 1 (Sexual Conduct or Contact) (RCW 16.52.205(3))
 
 
Assault 3 (Except Assault 3 of a Peace Officer With a Projectile Stun Gun) (RCW 9A.36.031 except subsection (1)(h))
 
 
Assault of a Child 3 (RCW 9A.36.140)
 
 
Bail Jumping with class B or C Felony (RCW 9A.76.170(3)(c))
 
 
Burglary 2 (RCW 9A.52.030)
 
 
Communication with a Minor for Immoral Purposes (RCW 9.68A.090)
 
 
Criminal Gang Intimidation (RCW 9A.46.120)
 
 
Custodial Assault (RCW 9A.36.100)
 
 
Cyberstalking (subsequent conviction or threat of death) (RCW 9.61.260(3))
 
 
Escape 2 (RCW 9A.76.120)
 
 
Extortion 2 (RCW 9A.56.130)
 
 
False Reporting 2 (RCW 9A.84.040(2)(b))
 
 
Harassment (RCW 9A.46.020)
 
 
Intimidating a Public Servant (RCW 9A.76.180)
 
 
Introducing Contraband 2 (RCW 9A.76.150)
 
 
Malicious Injury to Railroad Property (RCW 81.60.070)
 
 
Manufacture of Untraceable Firearm with Intent to Sell (RCW 9.41.190)
 
 
Manufacture or Assembly of an Undetectable Firearm or Untraceable Firearm (RCW 9.41.325)
 
 
Mortgage Fraud (RCW 19.144.080)
 
 
Negligently Causing Substantial Bodily Harm By Use of a Signal Preemption Device (RCW 46.37.674)
 
 
Organized Retail Theft 1 (RCW 9A.56.350(2))
 
 
Perjury 2 (RCW 9A.72.030)
 
 
Possession of Incendiary Device (RCW 9.40.120)
 
 
Possession of Machine Gun, Bump-Fire Stock, Undetectable Firearm, or Short-Barreled Shotgun or Rifle (RCW 9.41.190)
 
 
Promoting Prostitution 2 (RCW 9A.88.080)
 
 
Retail Theft with Special Circumstances 1 (RCW 9A.56.360(2))
 
 
Securities Act violation (RCW 21.20.400)
 
 
Tampering with a Witness (RCW 9A.72.120)
 
 
Telephone Harassment (subsequent conviction or threat of death) (RCW 9.61.230(2))
 
 
Theft of Livestock 2 (RCW 9A.56.083)
 
 
Theft with the Intent to Resell 1 (RCW 9A.56.340(2))
 
 
Trafficking in Stolen Property 2 (RCW 9A.82.055)
 
 
Unlawful Hunting of Big Game 1 (RCW 77.15.410(3)(b))
 
 
Unlawful Imprisonment (RCW 9A.40.040)
 
 
Unlawful Misbranding of Fish or Shellfish 1 (RCW 77.140.060(3))
 
 
Unlawful possession of firearm in the second degree (RCW 9.41.040(2))
 
 
Unlawful Taking of Endangered Fish or Wildlife 1 (RCW 77.15.120(3)(b))
 
 
Unlawful Trafficking in Fish, Shellfish, or Wildlife 1 (RCW 77.15.260(3)(b))
 
 
Unlawful Use of a Nondesignated Vessel (RCW 77.15.530(4))
 
 
Vehicular Assault, by the operation or driving of a vehicle with disregard for the safety of others (RCW 46.61.522)
 
 
Willful Failure to Return from Work Release (RCW 72.65.070)
 
II
Commercial Fishing Without a License 1 (RCW 77.15.500(3)(b))
 
 
Computer Trespass 1 (RCW 9A.90.040)
 
 
Counterfeiting (RCW 9.16.035(3))
 
 
Electronic Data Service Interference (RCW 9A.90.060)
 
 
Electronic Data Tampering 1 (RCW 9A.90.080)
 
 
Electronic Data Theft (RCW 9A.90.100)
 
 
Engaging in Fish Dealing Activity Unlicensed 1 (RCW 77.15.620(3))
 
 
Escape from Community Custody (RCW 72.09.310)
 
 
Failure to Register as a Sex Offender (second or subsequent offense) (RCW 9A.44.130 prior to June 10, 2010, and RCW 9A.44.132)
 
 
Health Care False Claims (RCW 48.80.030)
 
 
Identity Theft 2 (RCW 9.35.020(3))
 
 
Improperly Obtaining Financial Information (RCW 9.35.010)
 
 
Malicious Mischief 1 (RCW 9A.48.070)
 
 
Organized Retail Theft 2 (RCW 9A.56.350(3))
 
 
Possession of Stolen Property 1 (RCW 9A.56.150)
 
 
Possession of a Stolen Vehicle (RCW 9A.56.068)
 
 
Retail Theft with Special Circumstances 2 (RCW 9A.56.360(3))
 
 
Scrap Processing, Recycling, or Supplying Without a License (second or subsequent offense) (RCW 19.290.100)
 
 
Theft 1 (RCW 9A.56.030)
 
 
Theft of a Motor Vehicle (RCW 9A.56.065)
 
 
Theft of Rental, Leased, Lease-purchased, or Loaned Property (valued at five thousand dollars or more) (RCW 9A.56.096(5)(a))
 
 
Theft with the Intent to Resell 2 (RCW 9A.56.340(3))
 
 
Trafficking in Insurance Claims (RCW 48.30A.015)
 
 
Unlawful factoring of a credit card or payment card transaction (RCW 9A.56.290(4)(a))
 
 
Unlawful Participation of Non-Indians in Indian Fishery (RCW 77.15.570(2))
 
 
Unlawful Practice of Law (RCW 2.48.180)
 
 
Unlawful Purchase or Use of a License (RCW 77.15.650(3)(b))
 
 
Unlawful Trafficking in Fish, Shellfish, or Wildlife 2 (RCW 77.15.260(3)(a))
 
 
Unlicensed Practice of a Profession or Business (RCW 18.130.190(7))
 
 
Voyeurism 1 (RCW 9A.44.115)
 
I
Attempting to Elude a Pursuing Police Vehicle (RCW 46.61.024)
 
 
False Verification for Welfare (RCW 74.08.055)
 
 
Forgery (RCW 9A.60.020)
 
 
Fraudulent Creation or Revocation of a Mental Health Advance Directive (RCW 9A.60.060)
 
 
Malicious Mischief 2 (RCW 9A.48.080)
 
 
Mineral Trespass (RCW 78.44.330)
 
 
Possession of Stolen Property 2 (RCW 9A.56.160)
 
 
Reckless Burning 1 (RCW 9A.48.040)
 
 
Spotlighting Big Game 1 (RCW 77.15.450(3)(b))
 
 
Suspension of Department Privileges 1 (RCW 77.15.670(3)(b))
 
 
Taking Motor Vehicle Without Permission 2 (RCW 9A.56.075)
 
 
Theft 2 (RCW 9A.56.040)
 
 
Theft from a Vulnerable Adult 2 (RCW 9A.56.400(2))
 
 
Theft of Rental, Leased, Lease-purchased, or Loaned Property (valued at seven hundred fifty dollars or more but less than five thousand dollars) (RCW 9A.56.096(5)(b))
 
 
Transaction of insurance business beyond the scope of licensure (RCW 48.17.063)
 
 
Unlawful Fish and Shellfish Catch Accounting (RCW 77.15.630(3)(b))
 
 
Unlawful Issuance of Checks or Drafts (RCW 9A.56.060)
 
 
Unlawful Possession of Fictitious Identification (RCW 9A.56.320)
 
 
Unlawful Possession of Instruments of Financial Fraud (RCW 9A.56.320)
 
 
Unlawful Possession of Payment Instruments (RCW 9A.56.320)
 
 
Unlawful Possession of a Personal Identification Device (RCW 9A.56.320)
 
 
Unlawful Production of Payment Instruments (RCW 9A.56.320)
 
 
Unlawful Releasing, Planting, Possessing, or Placing Deleterious Exotic Wildlife (RCW 77.15.250(2)(b))
 
 
Unlawful Trafficking in Food Stamps (RCW 9.91.142)
 
 
Unlawful Use of Food Stamps (RCW 9.91.144)
 
 
Unlawful Use of Net to Take Fish 1 (RCW 77.15.580(3)(b))
 
 
Unlawful Use of Prohibited Aquatic Animal Species (RCW 77.15.253(3))
 
 
Vehicle Prowl 1 (RCW 9A.52.095)
 
 
Violating Commercial Fishing Area or Time 1 (RCW 77.15.550(3)(b))
 
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