FALSE ACTIVE SHOOTER ALARM; PROHIBIT                                                                                     H.B. 4698 (H-1):

                                                                                                                                                                                                      SUMMARY OF BILL

                                                                                                                                                                        REPORTED FROM COMMITTEE

House Bill 4698 (Substitute H-1 as reported without amendment)

Sponsor:   Representative Thomas A. Albert

House Committee:   Judiciary

Senate Committee:   Judiciary and Public Safety

CONTENT

The bill would amend the Michigan Penal Code to prohibit a person from knowingly and willfully raising a false active shooter alarm in a public space, including a school. A person who violated the proposed prohibition would be guilty of a misdemeanor punishable by imprisonment for up to one year and a maximum fine of $1,000.

The bill would take effect 90 days after its enactment.

MCL 750.499                                                                                                         Legislative Analyst:   Stephen P. Jackson

FISCAL IMPACT

The bill would have an indeterminate negative fiscal impact on the State and local government. New misdemeanor arrests and convictions under the bill could increase resource demands on law enforcement, court systems, community supervision, and jails. However, it is unknown how many people would be prosecuted under the bill's provisions. Local jail costs vary by jurisdiction; thus, costs for local governments would vary. Any additional revenue from imposed fines would go to local libraries.

Date Completed:   6-16-22                                                                                           Fiscal Analyst:   Joe Carrasco, Jr.

This analysis was prepared by nonpartisan Senate staff for use by the Senate in its deliberations and does not constitute an official statement of legislative intent.