It is illegal for anyone to issue a bomb threat directed toward a school in New York State. As of December 1, 1999, the consequences for this crime have been increased from a Class A misdemeanor to a Class E felony (Chapter 561, Laws of 1999). Persons arrested for making bomb threats face felony prosecution, youthful offender or juvenile delinquency adjudication, as well as a one-year suspension of one’s driver’s license.
Related laws permit municipalities, fire Districts and other emergency service providers to seek restitution for costs associated with their response to a bomb threat on school grounds. The amount may be up to $10,000 in restitution to be paid by anyone convicted of reporting a false incident or bomb, up to $5,000 to be paid by the parent of a child who makes a false report.