Current through the 2024 Fourth Special Session
Section 76-5-107.1 - Threats against schools(1)(a) As used in this section: (i) "Hoax weapon of mass destruction" means the same as that term is defined in Section 76-10-401.(ii) "School" means a preschool or a public or private elementary or secondary school.(b) Terms defined in Section 76-1-101.5 apply to this section.(2) An actor is guilty of making a threat against a school if the actor threatens, with real intent or as an intentional hoax, to commit an offense involving bodily injury, death, or substantial property damage and the actor: (a) threatens the use of a firearm or weapon or hoax weapon of mass destruction;(b) acts with intent to: (i) disrupt the regular schedule of the school or influence or affect the conduct of students, employees, or the general public at the school;(ii) prevent or interrupt the occupancy of the school or a portion of the school, or a facility or vehicle used by the school; or(iii) intimidate or coerce students or employees of the school; or(c) causes an official or volunteer agency organized to deal with emergencies to take action due to the risk to the school or general public.(3)(a)(i) A violation of Subsection (2)(a), (b)(i), or (b)(iii) is a third degree felony.(ii) A violation of Subsection (2)(b)(ii) is a class A misdemeanor.(iii) A violation of Subsection (2)(c) is a class B misdemeanor.(b)(i) In addition to another penalty authorized by law, a court shall order an actor convicted under this section to pay restitution to a federal, state, or local unit of government, or a private business, organization, individual, or entity for expenses and losses incurred in responding to the threat, unless the court states on the record the reasons why the reimbursement would be inappropriate.(ii) Restitution ordered in the case of a minor adjudicated for a violation of this section shall be determined in accordance with Section 80-6-710.(4) It is not a defense to this section that the actor did not attempt to carry out the threat or was incapable of carrying out the threat.(5) A violation of this section shall be reported to the local law enforcement agency.(6) Counseling for a minor alleged to have violated this section and the minor's family may be made available through state and local health department programs.Amended by Chapter 27, 2024 General Session ,§ 2, eff. 5/1/2024.Amended by Chapter 181, 2022 General Session ,§ 35, eff. 5/4/2022.Amended by Chapter 262, 2021 General Session ,§ 73, eff. 9/1/2021.Added by Chapter 426, 2020 General Session ,§ 1, eff. 5/12/2020.