# Bill Seeks Harsher Penalties for False Reports | TadLaw According to the Galveston County [Daily News](https://www.galvnews.com/news/local_news/article_2257b3a2-b27e-11e4-9946-e73b59b24157.html), a missing child hoax has prompted legislatures to propose a new bill. The proposed bill came after a Galveston woman decided to fabricate a story about a child to have her vehicle returned. The proposed bill seeks to increase the penalties for false reporting of a missing child. Filing a false police report does have criminal legal consequences. Many states even classify the intentional reporting of false reports as a felony. Chapter 37 of the Texas Penal Code currently defines the crime of filing a [false report regarding a missing child](https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/Docs/PE/htm/PE.37.htm/) or person: “A person commits an offense if, with the intent to deceive the person knowingly: files a false report of a missing child or missing person with a law enforcement officer or agency; or makes a false statement to a law enforcement officer or other employee of a law enforcement agency relating to a missing child or missing person.” Currently this offense is a Class C misdemeanor, which is punishable by a fine of up to $500. ## Proposed Bill The proposed bill, if passed, will become effective September 1, 2015. [The proposed bill](https://www.capitol.state.tx.us/Search/TextSearchResults.aspx?CP=1&LegSess=84R&House=true&Senate=true&TypeB=true&TypeR=false&TypeJR=true&TypeCR=false&VerInt=true&VerHCR=true&VerEng=true&VerSCR=true&VerEnr=true&DocTypeB=true&DocTypeFN=true&DocTypeBA=true&DocTypeAM=true&Srch=custom&Custom=false+report&All=&Any=&Exact=&Exclude=) seeks to increase the punishment from a Class C misdemeanor to a Class A misdemeanor where it can be shown that the false report was made in reference to a child under age 14. A Class A misdemeanor carries a fine of up to $4,000, jail time of up to 1 year, or both fine and confinement. Thus, the proposed bill attempts to impose the possibility of an active sentence if the false report is for a missing child under the age of 14. For a free legal consultation, call [(281) 280-0100](tel:+12812800100) today Although filing a false report regarding a missing person or child is currently only punishable by fines, there exists a harsher penalty if prosecuted for filing a [false report](https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/Docs/PE/htm/PE.37.htm/) generally to law enforcement. The Texas Penal Code defines filing a false report to a peace officer, federal special investigator, or law enforcement employee. It states: “A person commits an offense if, with intent to deceive, he knowingly makes a false statement that is material to a criminal investigation and makes the statement to: a peace officer or federal special investigator conducting the investigation, or to an employee of a law enforcement agency that is authorized by the agency to conduct the investigation and that the actor knows is conducting the investigation.” An offense under this statute is punishable by a Class B misdemeanor. If convicted of a class B misdemeanor, punishment can include a fine of $2,000, jail time of 180 days, or a combination of both. If you or someone you know is charged in Galveston or surrounding areas with filing a false report, whether pertaining to a missing person or child, you need experienced criminal defense attorneys on your team. [Contact](https://tadlaw.com/contact-us/) The Law Offices of Tad Nelson & Associates and let our experienced staff assist in your case. Call or text [(281) 280-0100](tel:+12812800100) or fill out our [Free Case Evaluation Form](https://tadlaw.com/contact-us/) to get started Criminal Defense Blog Posts: [New Test Flags Underage Drinking Risk Criminal Defense Texas readers may be interested to learn that researchers have developed a new personality-based test aimed at identifying kids at high risk...](https://tadlaw.com/blog/new-test-flags-underage-drinking-risk/) [Why Hire a Board Certified Attorney? Criminal Defense Why hire a Board Certified Attorney? Attorney Representation in Houston, Texas since 1992 Board certification is a distinction held by less than...](https://tadlaw.com/blog/why-hire-a-board-certified-attorney/) [Texas Expands the Legal Definition of Stalking Criminal Defense Definition of ‘Stalking’ Expanded in Texas Texas law treats domestic violence as a serious crime. All reported acts of domestic abuse –...](https://tadlaw.com/blog/texas-expands-the-legal-definition-of-stalking/) [Unpaid Red Light Fines and Vehicle Registration Criminal Defense Despite Notices, Harris County Will Not Prevent Vehicle Registration for Unpaid Red Light Camera Fines Harris County officials stated that outstanding citations...](https://tadlaw.com/blog/unpaid-red-light-fines-and-vehicle-registration/) --- Source: https://tadlaw.com/blog/bill-seeks-harsher-penalties-for-false-reports/