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 introduces new language that specifies 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 threatening violence, or do so with reckless disregard for the risk of such perception. The previous language that required "either" of two conditions has been changed to require "any" of the specified conditions, thereby broadening the scope of the law.

Additionally, the bill maintains that it is not a defense for the accused to claim they lacked the intent or capability to commit the act of terrorism. Violations of this section remain classified as felonies, punishable by up to 20 years in prison, a fine of up to $20,000, or both. The amendments are set to take effect 90 days after the bill is enacted into law.

Statutes affected:
Senate Introduced Bill: 750.543