Job-related threats and attacks against Michigan social service workers would carry penalties

People would face criminal penalties for threatening physical harm, intimidating, or harassing covered workers because of their jobs. This covers Michigan Department of Health and Human Services employees and employees of private agencies contracted with it under section 14f of the Social Welfare Act. Harassment must cause emotional distress and would also distress a reasonable person. Intimidation must involve deliberate harassment intended to cause fear of physical injury, reasonably cause that fear, and actually cause it. Harassment and intimidation exclude constitutionally protected activity and conduct serving a legitimate purpose. These provisions would take effect 90 days after the bill is enacted into law.

People who assault covered workers and cause physical injury would face felony penalties for a serious crime. This covers Michigan Department of Health and Human Services employees and employees of private agencies contracted with it under section 14f of the Social Welfare Act. The assault must occur while the worker performs job duties or because of the worker's employment status. Physical injury would carry up to two years in prison, a fine of up to $1,000, or both. Serious harm to a body function would carry up to five years in prison, a fine from $1,000 to $5,000, or both. These provisions would take effect 90 days after the bill is enacted into law.