WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

SB 502

Crimes: terrorism; crime of making terrorist threat or false report of terrorism; modify. Amends sec. 543m of 1931 PA 328 (MCL 750.543m).

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Rosemary Bayer and 1 co-sponsor

Michigan bill modifies terrorism threat statute; specific amendments unclear without full text, but targets terrorist threats and false reports with potential public safety and civil liberties implications.

REFERRED TO COMMITTEE ON CIVIL RIGHTS, JUDICIARY, AND PUBLIC SAFETY
#crimes:terrorism
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SB 502

Legislative bill overview

SB 502 proposes to modify Michigan's existing terrorism threat statute (MCL 750.543m) under the 1931 Public Acts. The bill was recently introduced and referred to the Committee on Civil Rights, Judiciary, and Public Safety, but the specific amendments are not detailed in the action summary provided. Without access to the full bill text, the exact changes cannot be determined.

Why is this important

Terrorism-related statutes directly affect public safety enforcement, national security responses, and the balance between protecting citizens from genuine threats and preserving civil liberties. Modifications to these laws can significantly impact how law enforcement investigates and prosecutes cases, and how courts interpret threats versus protected speech.

Potential points of contention

  • Defining "terrorist threat": Determining what constitutes actionable terrorism versus hyperbole, satire, or protected political speech remains legally contentious and varies by interpretation
  • False reporting penalties: Clarifying consequences for false reports must balance discouraging frivolous claims against chilling legitimate reporting of genuine concerns
  • Due process and evidence standards: Any modifications may affect evidentiary thresholds, burden of proof, and defendants' rights in terrorism-related prosecutions

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

Sign in to ask a question.