Imparting or conveying false information
Official text prohibited actmental stateif conditionpenaltylegal term
(a) In General. Whoever imparts or conveys or causes to be imparted or conveyed false information, knowing the information to be false, concerning an attempt or alleged attempt being made or to be made, to do any act that would be a crime prohibited by this chapter or by chapter 111 of this title, shall be subject to a civil penalty of not more than $5,000, which shall be recoverable in a civil action brought in the name of the United States.
(b) Malicious Conduct. Whoever knowingly, intentionally, , or for the safety of human life, imparts or conveys or causes to be imparted or conveyed false information, knowing the information to be false, concerning an attempt or alleged attempt to do any act which would be a crime prohibited by this chapter or by chapter 111 of this title, shall be or imprisoned not more than 5 years.
(c) Jurisdiction.
(1) In general. Except as provided under paragraph (2), section 2290(a) shall not apply to any offense under this section.
(2) Jurisdiction. Jurisdiction over an offense under this section shall be determined in accordance with the provisions applicable to the crime prohibited by this chapter, or by chapter 111 of this title, to which the imparted or conveyed false information relates, as applicable.
History: (Added Pub. L. 109–177, title III, §306(a), Mar. 9, 2006, 120 Stat. 239.)
Simplified explanation
It is a federal crime to knowingly, maliciously, or with reckless disregard for human life spread false information about an attempt to attack a ship or maritime facility or to commit another federal shipping crime. Giving such false information knowing it is false, even without malice, can lead to a civil fine (a money penalty in a non-criminal case).