A bipartisan and bicameral group of lawmakers unveiled legislation Thursday that would punish swatting with criminal penalties of up to 20 years in prison in the worst cases. 

Swatting, according to the Department of Homeland Security’s definition, is the practice of “making malicious hoax calls to emergency services to falsely report an ongoing emergency such as a violent crime or explosive device at a certain location.”

Numerous lawmakers have been swatted, including Sen. Rick Scott, Florida Republican and lead sponsor of the Senate version of the bill. Rep. David Kustoff, Tennessee Republican, introduced the House version, which has cosponsors from both parties. 

The bill would impose criminal penalties for persons found to engage in swatting that can range from fines to up to five years in prison for most cases. The prison sentence could be extended up to 20 years in cases where a swatting response results in serious bodily injury, or up to a life sentence if someone is killed. 

Mr. Kustoff, a former U.S. attorney, said swatting incidents, which are on the rise, create chaos, waste resources and can endanger communities.

“We can no longer afford to let this dangerous trend go unchecked,” he said. “This legislation is a critical step towards holding perpetrators accountable, supporting law enforcement, and deterring future incidents.”

Mr. Scott said the “cowards” behind swatting calls need to face real consequences for intentionally wasting law enforcement time and resources. 

“Swatters have attempted attacks on my family’s home, the homes of public officials, Trump administration nominees, and so many others — it has to stop,” he said.

• Lindsey McPherson can be reached at lmcpherson@washingtontimes.com.