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 risk of such perception. 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 either of two conditions to be guilty, instead allowing for any of the specified actions to result in a felony charge. The penalties for violating this section remain severe, with a maximum imprisonment of 20 years or a fine of up to $20,000. The bill is set to take effect 90 days after being enacted into law.

Statutes affected:
Senate Introduced Bill: 750.543