The frequency of anthrax scares is diminishing; however, legislators want to ensure scares do not become a common occurrence in the future.

State Rep. Steve Wieckert, R-Appleton, announced new legislation Wednesday that would make intentional anthrax scares a Class E felony, punishable by up to five years in prison and a $10,000 fine.

The bill would prohibit individuals from making a threat with the knowledge that it is false. The penalty would be equal to that of a bomb threat.

Currently the maximum punishment for scares such as anthrax scares is disorderly conduct, a misdemeanor not punishable by any jail time.

Wieckert said this legislation is necessary to thwart the recent influx of hoaxes.

“In a time when Americans are facing real questions about their own security, we can’t allow those who would joke or make light of the recent tragedies to terrorize us with their hollow threats,” Wieckert said in a news release. “The fear that is caused by these threats is real, and so too must be the punishment for those who would make them.”
Anthrax scares have prompted many unnecessary dispatches of hazardous-materials teams, police officers and firefighters. These government agencies absorb the costs associated with responding to these threats. Wieckert’s bill would ensure some of these costs would be covered by the fine imposed on those convicted of making threats.
The bill is currently available for co-sponsorship and will most likely come to the floor of the House early next year.