The bill amends section 543m of the Michigan penal code regarding terrorist threats and false reports of terrorism. It expands the definition of making a terrorist threat to include not only those who threaten to commit an act of terrorism but also those who communicate such threats with knowledge that they would be perceived as threatening violence or with reckless disregard for the substantial risk of such perception. The language has been updated to clarify that a person can be guilty of making a terrorist threat if they communicate a threat knowing it would be viewed as violent or if they do so recklessly.

Additionally, the bill specifies that it is not a defense for the accused to claim they did not intend or have the capability to commit the act of terrorism. Violations of this section are classified as felonies, punishable by up to 20 years in prison or a fine of up to $20,000, or both. The bill also introduces a definition for "reckless disregard," emphasizing the conscious disregard of a substantial risk that a communication will be interpreted as a threat of violence. The amendments will take effect 90 days after being enacted into law.

Statutes affected:
Substitute (S-1): 750.543
Senate Introduced Bill: 750.543
As Passed by the Senate: 750.543