PlainBillCongress, translated.Legislation. Context. Public interest.Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
Congressional Research Service
Version 00 · Introduced in Senate · Jul 22, 2003
Protection Against Terrorist Hoaxes Act of 2003 - Amends the Federal criminal code to set criminal and civil penalties for using the mail, telephone, telegraph, or other instrument of, in, or affecting interstate or foreign commerce to knowingly engage in any conduct that is likely to impart the false impression that activity is taking place, or will take place, that violates provisions regarding biological or chemical weapons, nuclear materials, or weapons of mass destruction. Makes a violator of such civil offense liable to the United States or any State for a civil penalty of the greater of $10,000 or the amount expended by the United States or the State in responding to the false information.Directs the court to order a defendant who has been convicted of such a criminal offense to reimburse the United States or a State for any expenses incurred incident to the investigation of the offense, including the cost of any response made to protect public health or safety. Makes such person jointly and severally liable for such expenses with each other person ordered to reimburse the United States or any State.
People & committees
Sen. Biden, Joseph R., Jr. [D-DE] · D–DE
Legislative record
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Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S9716-9717)
Introduced in Senate
Primary sources
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Source last updated: Aug 10, 2026. Consult Congress.gov for the current record.
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