Virginia Swatting laws impose stiff penalties

Governor Glenn Youngkin signed into law an anti-swatting bill which makes the crime punishable by up to  a year in jail and substantial fine.

Swatting is the action of phoning in a false threat to law enforcement that results in a serious response from authorities.

ABC News reports the signing took place in Lynchburg where the governor made it clear that phoning in a false threat is a crime and the signing of the bill makes Virginia safer.

Since the signing of the bill the act of swatting could result in a possible year in jail along with fining the person responsible the cost of the resources needed to respond.

At the bill signing School Superintendent Dr. Crystal Edwards called it crucial in preventing future school disruptions.

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