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AB-327 • 2026

Crimes: false reporting.

Crimes: false reporting.

Crime
Active

The official status still shows this bill as active or still awaiting another formal step.

Sponsor
Ta
Last action
Official status
Senate - Appropriations
Effective date
Not listed

Plain English Breakdown

The specific reason why no reimbursement is required is not detailed in the provided text, only that it exists for a specified reason.

Stricter Penalties and Costs for Repeat False Emergency Reports

This law allows repeat false emergency reports that cause unnecessary responses to be punished as felonies if the person was an adult during their first offense, and requires offenders to pay for property damage caused by those responses.

What This Bill Does

  • Makes a second or later false report punishable as either a misdemeanor or a felony if it causes an unnecessary emergency response and the person was at least 18 years old when they committed their previous offense.
  • Requires convicted individuals to pay public agencies for property damage that happens because of the emergency response triggered by the false report.
  • States that no state reimbursement is required from this act for a specified reason.

Who It Names or Affects

  • People who have previously been found guilty of making a false emergency report or using 911 to annoy someone, provided they were at least 18 during the prior offense.
  • Public agencies that respond to emergencies and may receive payment for costs and property damage.

Terms To Know

Misdemeanor
A less serious crime with lighter punishment than a felony, such as short jail time or fines.
Felony
A more serious crime that can result in longer prison sentences and heavier penalties.

Limits and Unknowns

  • The law does not change the penalty for a first-time false report.
  • Higher penalties only apply if the person was an adult during their previous offense.
  • The text states no reimbursement is required but does not explain the specific reason why.

Bill History

  1. California Legislative Information

    Senate - Appropriations

Official Summary Text

Crimes: false reporting.