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HR5590119th Congress

SWAT Act

Sponsored By: Representative Lawler, Michael [R-NY-17]

Introduced

Summary

This bill would strengthen federal criminal penalties for threats and hoaxes targeting schools. It expands federal coverage to public, private, and religious schools that offer early childhood, elementary, secondary, postsecondary, or career and technical education and raises maximum penalties for those offenses.

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  • Students and school communities: Threats and false reports aimed at schools providing K–12, early childhood, postsecondary, or career and technical education would be explicitly covered under federal law, giving schools clearer federal protection.
  • People who make threats or hoaxes: Individuals who direct threats or false information at covered schools would face new or enhanced penalties, including up to 20 years in prison or fines.
  • Federal enforcement and consistency: The bill adds matching penalties across four federal statutes 18 U.S.C. 844(e), 875, 876, and 1038(a)(1) to create consistent criminal liability for threats and hoaxes targeting educational institutions.

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

1 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.

Tougher penalties for school threats

This bill would raise federal penalties for threats and hoaxes against schools. It would cover public, private, and religious schools at all levels, as determined by state law. Threats sent across state lines, by mail, or about fires or explosives would be covered. False reports about events at a school would also be covered. Offenders could be fined and face up to 20 years in prison. It would take effect upon enactment.

Sponsors & CoSponsors

Sponsor

Lawler, Michael [R-NY-17]

NY • R

Cosponsors

  • Rep. Bacon, Don [R-NE-2]

    NE • R

    Sponsored 9/26/2025

Roll Call Votes

No roll call votes available for this bill.

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