The House Judiciary Committee approved a bill Wednesday that would increase criminal penalties for those who make false police reports in instances when the report alleges imminent danger to a person or the public.

Sponsored by Rep. Mike Shaw, R-Hoover, the bill was drafted in response to an incident last summer in which Alabama resident Carlee Russell fabricated a story that she was kidnapped, kicking off a massive search effort and a national frenzy. Russell was ultimately charged with two misdemeanors.

Shaw, along with the sponsor of the Senate version of the bill, Sen. April Weaver, R-Brierfield, say similar incidents in the future should carry more serious criminal charges, something they hope to accomplish with their bills. The Senate version was also approved in a committee Wednesday.