The bill amends section 543m of the Michigan penal code regarding terrorist threats and false reports of terrorism. It specifies that a person is guilty of making a terrorist threat or a false report of terrorism if they either threaten to commit an act of terrorism and communicate that threat knowing it would be viewed as threatening violence, or do so with reckless disregard for the substantial risk of such perception. The language also clarifies that knowingly making a false report of terrorism, while aware that the report is false, constitutes a violation.

Additionally, the bill removes 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 actions. It maintains that a lack of intent or capability to commit the act of terrorism is not a valid defense in prosecution. Violators of this section face felony charges, with penalties of up to 20 years in prison or a fine of up to $20,000, or both. The amendments will take effect 90 days after being enacted into law.

Statutes affected:
Senate Introduced Bill: 750.543