{"data":{"id":"us-tx/tex.-penal-code-42.061","jurisdiction":"us-tx","citation":"Tex. Penal Code § 42.061","heading":"SILENT OR ABUSIVE CALLS TO 9-1-1 SERVICE.","body":"(a) In this section \"9-1-1 service\" and \"public safety answering point\" or \"PSAP\" have the meanings assigned by Section 771.001, Health and Safety Code.\n(b) A person commits an offense if the person makes a call to a 9-1-1 service, or requests 9-1-1 service using an electronic communications device, when there is not an emergency and knowingly or intentionally:\n(1) remains silent; or\n(2) makes abusive or harassing statements to a PSAP employee.\n(c) A person commits an offense if the person knowingly permits an electronic communications device, including a telephone, under the person's control to be used by another person in a manner described in Subsection (b).\n(d) An offense under this section is a Class B misdemeanor.\nAdded by Acts 1989, 71st Leg., ch. 582, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1989. Amended by Acts 1991, 72nd Leg., ch. 14, Sec. 284(2), eff. Sept. 1, 1991; Acts 1993, 73rd Leg., ch. 900, Sec. 1.01, eff. Sept. 1, 1994.\nAmended by:\nActs 2013, 83rd Leg., R.S., Ch. 331 (H.B. 1972), Sec. 6, eff. September 1, 2013.","path":["PENAL CODE","TITLE 9. OFFENSES AGAINST PUBLIC ORDER AND DECENCY","CHAPTER 42. DISORDERLY CONDUCT AND RELATED OFFENSES"],"source_url":"https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/Docs/PE/htm/PE.42.htm#42.061","current_through":"89th 2nd Called Legislative Session, 2025","vintage":"","retrieved_at":"2026-08-27T01:47:34Z","sha256":"f3db7413292b2327605a3d91386c430665b2c0d7d6505028bd6913fe34f1b494","source_id":"us-tx","stale":false,"prev":"us-tx/tex.-penal-code-42.0601","next":"us-tx/tex.-penal-code-42.062"},"notice":"GroundRules: Original legal text. Not legal advice."}