Criminal Law - Interference With a Public Safety Answering Point - Penalties

SB 81 prohibits intentional interference with public safety answering points (PSAPs), which are emergency call centers like 911 dispatch systems. It makes it a felony to intentionally disrupt PSAP operations (with penalties of up to 5 years in prison or $25,000 fines) or to actually cause disruption (up to 10 years or $50,000 fines). The law specifically targets actions that impair emergency call services, such as blocking 911 access, and applies to anyone who causes such disruption without authorization. It does not cover authorized security testing or legitimate uses like ransomware for authorized security research. This bill directly affects individuals who intentionally interfere with emergency call systems, strengthening penalties for threats to public safety infrastructure.