Upgrades crime of false public alarm when act done knowing it will result in law enforcement response against certain persons.

This bill (S 3646) upgrades the penalty for making false public alarms that target specific officials. It increases the offense from a third-degree crime to a second-degree crime when the person knows their false report will trigger law enforcement response against elected officials, judges (Supreme, Superior, Tax Court, or municipal), or law enforcement officers. The penalty for this upgraded offense would be up to 10 years in prison and a $150,000 fine, compared to the current maximum of 5 years and $15,000. The bill also maintains existing civil penalties for false alarms and requires annual reports on such offenses by law enforcement agencies.