The bill amends the Michigan Penal Code, specifically section 411a, to enhance penalties for individuals who intentionally make false reports of crimes or emergencies. It introduces new legal language that specifies the consequences for false reporting based on the severity of the report and its outcomes. For instance, if a false report leads to physical injury, the perpetrator could face up to 5 years in prison, while a report resulting in death could lead to a maximum of 15 years. The bill also clarifies the definitions of terms such as "local unit of government" and "medical first responder," and it establishes that costs incurred by the state or local government in responding to false reports may be charged to the offender.

Additionally, the bill modifies existing language regarding penalties for false reports, replacing certain subdivisions to streamline the consequences for various offenses. It specifies that a person making a false report with the intent to elicit a response, regardless of whether a response occurs, is guilty of a felony. The bill also includes provisions for juvenile offenders, allowing courts to order parents to pay costs associated with their child's false reporting if the juvenile is unable to pay. Overall, the amendments aim to deter false reporting by imposing stricter penalties and clarifying legal definitions related to such offenses.

Statutes affected:
Senate Introduced Bill: 750.411