False crime reports meant to trigger responses would carry prison penalties

People who knowingly make or arrange false crime reports to trigger a response would face prison, a fine, or both. The report must go to police, a 911 operator, or another government worker or contractor authorized to receive crime reports. The person must intentionally make or arrange the report, know it is false, and intend to trigger a response. No response needs to occur. The basic maximums would be 10 years in prison and a $2,000 fine. Property damage without physical injury would allow up to 12 years and a $2,000 fine. Physical injury would allow up to 15 years and a $5,000 fine. Serious harm to a body's ability to function would allow up to 20 years and a $10,000 fine. The higher penalties require the false report to cause the harm. Each penalty allows prison, a fine, or both. These penalties would take effect 90 days after enactment.

A murder committed during the false-report offense or an attempt would qualify as first-degree murder. The underlying offense involves knowingly making or arranging a false crime report to an authorized recipient with the intent to trigger a response. A death alone would not establish murder. Life without parole would apply except where the sentencing exceptions in sections 769.25 and 769.25a apply. This provision would take effect 90 days after enactment.

Authorities could prosecute covered false reports where the communication began or ended and pursue other crimes arising from the same conduct. These rules would cover both completed and attempted false-report offenses under section 410d. The communication must begin in Michigan, be intended to end in Michigan, or be intended to reach someone in Michigan. Other charges, convictions, and punishments for the same conduct would also be allowed. These prosecution rules would take effect 90 days after enactment.