The bill amends the Michigan Penal Code by adding a new section, 409c, which establishes penalties for individuals who approach first responders after receiving a verbal warning not to do so. Specifically, if a person knowingly and willfully violates this warning and remains within 25 feet of a first responder with the intent to impede their duties, threaten them, or harass them, they can be charged with a misdemeanor. This misdemeanor carries a potential punishment of up to 60 days in jail or a fine of up to $500.

Furthermore, the bill escalates the penalties based on the consequences of the violation. If the individual’s actions result in injury to the first responder, they can be charged with a felony, facing up to 2 years in prison and a fine of up to $1,000. In cases where the violation leads to the death of the first responder, the individual can be charged with a more severe felony, punishable by up to 15 years in prison and a fine of up to $7,500. The bill is set to take effect 90 days after being enacted, contingent upon the passage of another related bill.

Statutes affected:
House Introduced Bill: 750.1, 750.568