Calling in a false threat, such as a bomb scare, is now a second degree felony.
Governor Rick Scott signed a bill Wednesday that ups the charges for making terroristic threats concerning bombs and firearms. Inverness Republican Rep. Jimmie T. Smith says law enforcement needs more protection from threats.
“Members, think about it. When we grew up, we grew up wanting to be a policeman, a firefighter or somebody in a position to help our community. More and more, people are being challenged to threaten our law enforcement. We cannot allow this to happen,” Smith says.
The measure also makes threatening an officer with death a first degree misdemeanor. A second death threat would be a third degree felony.
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