Effective fire alarm systems are essential for the protection of life and property. Tampering with fire detection and alarm system equipment is a Class A Misdemeanor, which is punishable by (1) a fine not to exceed $4,000; (2) confinement in jail for a term not to exceed one year; or (3) both such fine and imprisonment. In addition, a student offender is subject to all appropriate university administrative sanctions as authorized in Section 49, Disciplinary Action.

Section 42.06 of the Texas Penal Code states in part that “A person commits an offense if he knowingly initiates, communicates, circulates, or broadcasts a report of a present, past, or future bombing, fire, offense, or other emergency that he knows is false or baseless and that would ordinarily:

1. cause action by an official or volunteer agency organized to deal with emergencies;
2. place a person in fear of imminent serious bodily injury;
3. or prevent or interrupt the occupation of a building, room or place to which the public has access.”