Sec 13-2925. Hoax; restitution; joint and several liability; classification; definition

A. It is unlawful for a person to intentionally or knowingly engage in any conduct that both:

1. Is likely to impart the false impression that an act of terrorism as defined in section 13-2301 is taking place or will take place.

2. Would reasonably be expected to cause or that causes an emergency response by a governmental agency.

B. A person who is convicted of a violation of this section may be liable for any expenses that are incurred incident to the emergency response and the investigation of the commission of the offense. The expense is a debt of the person. The public agency, for profit entity or not-for-profit entity that incurred the expenses may collect the debt proportionally. The liability that is imposed under this subsection is in addition to any other liability that may be imposed.

C. If more than one person is liable for any expenses that are incurred under this section, a person who is convicted of a violation of this section is jointly and severally liable for these expenses.

D. A violation of this section is a class 4 felony.

E. For the purposes of this section, "expenses" means any reasonable costs that are directly incurred by a public agency, for profit entity or not-for-profit entity that makes an appropriate emergency response to an incident or an investigation of the commission of the offense. Expenses includes the costs of providing police, fire fighting, rescue and emergency medical services at the scene of an incident and the salaries of the persons who respond to the incident. Expenses does not include any charges that are assessed by an ambulance service that is regulated pursuant to title 36, chapter 21.1, article 2.