Swatting, according to a legislative analysis by the House Fiscal Agency:
is a relatively new crime in which a person uses the Internet to report a serious crime or medical emergency in progress at the home or business of another using “spoofing” technology so that the report appears to be originating from the address where the supposed emergency is taking place. It is called “swatting” because the nature and scope of the crimes being reported using this technology are such that SWAT teams are often called upon to respond.
Why would someone do this? If you send your local police and SWAT team on a wild goose chase to one part of the city, then the coast is clear in other parts so you can carry out your crime with a greatly reduced chance of the cops getting in the way.
Making an intentionally false report of a crime is already illegal under MCL 750.411a. HB 5431 makes false reporting of a medical or other emergency a felony.
HB 5432 allows governmental entities to seek reimbursement of public safety costs from those convicted of swatting. The House analysis of the legislation cites a FBI estimate of an average of $10,000 in law enforcement costs per swatting incident.
HB 5433 sets the penalties for those convicted of swatting.