The bill amends the Michigan penal code, specifically section 543m, to clarify the definitions and penalties associated with making terrorist threats and false reports of terrorism. It establishes that a person is guilty of these offenses if they either threaten to commit an act of terrorism and communicate that threat knowing it would be perceived as a threat of violence, or do so with reckless disregard for the potential perception of their communication. Additionally, the bill maintains that knowingly making a false report of terrorism also constitutes a violation.

The amendments remove the previous requirement that a person must meet two specific criteria to be guilty of making a terrorist threat, replacing it with a broader definition that encompasses any of the outlined behaviors. The penalties for violating this section remain severe, with offenders facing up to 20 years in prison or a fine of up to $20,000. The bill is set to take effect 90 days after being enacted into law.

Statutes affected:
House Introduced Bill: 750.543