Capitol News

Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel and Deputy Solicitor General Eric Restuccia appeared before the Senate Civil Rights, Judiciary, and Public Safety Committee to express support for Senate Bill 502. The bill, introduced by Senator Sue Shink, proposes changes to the Michigan Anti-Terrorism Act. If enacted, it would specify that anyone who threatens to commit an act of terrorism and communicates that threat with reckless disregard for a substantial risk could face up to 20 years in prison, a fine of up to $20,000, or both.

The push for this legislation follows a decision by the Michigan Court of Appeals that initially found the state’s anti-terrorism law unconstitutional. Attorney General Nessel responded by filing an amicus brief supporting an emergency application from the Wayne County Prosecutor to the Michigan Supreme Court. The Supreme Court later vacated and remanded the appellate court's decision.

Although the Michigan Court of Appeals eventually upheld the law’s constitutionality, it recommended that lawmakers clarify and update the statute to avoid future legal challenges. Currently, there are eight cases pending under this law within the Department of Attorney General.

“Michigan’s anti-terrorism statute has saved lives and prevented threats that disrupt our communities,” Nessel said. “This law has been instrumental in prosecuting threats against schools, law enforcement, judicial officers and elected officials on both sides of the aisle. Striking down this crucial law would have made our state less safe and hindered our ability to hold those who threaten Michiganders accountable. Without this legislation, our anti-terrorism protections remain vulnerable, and threats of terrorism are too serious to risk weakening our ability to respond.”

Senate Bill 502 aims to clarify how prosecutors can use the anti-terrorism statute when charging individuals accused of making credible violent threats.