INCREASE PENALTY FOR

DISRUPTING A RELIGIOUS SERVICE

House Bill 4537

Sponsor:  Rep. Rick Jones

Committee:  Judiciary

Complete to 5-28-09

A SUMMARY OF HOUSE BILL 4537 AS INTRODUCED 3-10-09

The Michigan Penal Code makes it a misdemeanor to willfully interrupt or disturb "any assembly of people met for the worship of God."  It has no specific penalty, meaning that the general misdemeanor penalty applies of not more than 90 days' imprisonment and/or a fine of up to $500.  (See MCL 750.504)

House Bill 4537 would increase the penalty to imprisonment for not more than 93 days and/or a fine of not more than $5,000.  Extending the penalty to 93 days can make the offense subject to fingerprinting requirements, meaning that an offender's fingerprints could be forwarded to the State Police.

MCL 750.169

FISCAL IMPACT:

Any increase in penal fine revenues would benefit local libraries, which are the constitutionally-designated recipients of those revenues. 

                                                                                           Legislative Analyst:   Chris Couch

                                                                                                  Fiscal Analyst:   Marilyn Peterson

■ This analysis was prepared by nonpartisan House staff for use by House members in their deliberations, and does not constitute an official statement of legislative intent.