(AP) - Tougher penalties for "swatting" or calling authorities with false reports of shootings, bombs and hostage situations, have advanced in a New Jersey legislative committee.
The measure would make the offense punishable by up to 10 years in state prison.
The homeland security committee adopted the measure with a unanimous vote on Monday.
No one spoke out against the measure during a hearing.
A sponsor of the bill, Assemblyman Paul Moriarity, was the victim himself last month after he announced plans to introduce the bill.
A similar measure has not been introduced in the state Senate.