COLUMBUS, Ohio - Ohio Representative, Kevin Miller (R-Newark) has announced on Thursday that a bill targeting those who participate in "swatting" has passed in the Ohio House.

"Swatting" is when an individual intentionally makes a false call to emergency dispatchers to have first responders respond to an area where there is no real emergency.

Under current law, "swatting" only leads to misdemeanor offenses. This legislation would make it a third-degree felony. If the violation results in serious physical harm to any person, it will be bumped up to a second-degree felony.

The FBI estimates approximately 400 swatting incidents occur across the country each year, several of which happen in Ohio.

The bill will now be sent to the Senate for further consideration.