FALSE ACTIVE SHOOTER ALARM; PROHIBIT H.B. 4698 (H-1):
SUMMARY OF HOUSE-PASSED BILL
IN COMMITTEE
House Bill 4698 (Substitute H-1 as passed by the House)
Sponsor: Representative Thomas A. Albert
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, and to prescribe penalties for a violation.
Specifically, the bill specifies that a person who knowingly and willfully raised a false active shooter alarm in a public place, including a school, would be guilty of a misdemeanor punishable by imprisonment for up to one year and a maximum fine of $1,000.
"Active shooter alarm" would an alarm system that is designed to alert individuals inside that place that there is an active shooter on or near the premises, including an alarm system that when activated locks doors, informs local law enforcement of the active shooter, flashes a blue light, or broadcasts a message inside the place indicating the presence of an active shooter.
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.
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.