State Senator Christopher J. Ryan (SD-50) today announced the passage of Senate Bill S4776, legislation he sponsors to strengthen New York’s laws against falsely reporting dangerous incidents.

The bill updates existing law to explicitly include false reports involving the use of a deadly weapon or dangerous instrument under the crimes of falsely reporting an incident in the first and second degrees. This ensures that individuals who deliberately spread fear by falsely claiming the presence or use of a weapon can be held appropriately accountable.

“This legislation closes a critical gap in our law and sends a clear message: falsely reporting a dangerous incident, especially one involving a weapon, is not a harmless prank, it’s a serious offense. These false reports put lives at risk, divert law enforcement resources, and create unnecessary fear in our communities. Strengthening these penalties helps ensure accountability and protects both the public and first responders. This is about common sense and public safety. When people make false claims about deadly weapons, the consequences ripple far beyond that moment. This bill gives law enforcement the tools they need to respond appropriately and helps deter this dangerous behavior before it happens.”

False reports involving weapons can trigger large-scale emergency responses, placing law enforcement, emergency personnel, and the public in potentially dangerous situations while also diverting resources from real emergencies.

The bill passed the Senate unanimously and now advances to the Assembly.