MI HB6468

Creates new criminal offense for posting false or misleading messages about minors under 18 in public media forums if a reasonable person would find the message damaging to character or reputation, posted with intent to intimidate, frighten, harass, or cause emotional distress.

Prohibits intentionally concealing identity while posting messages about minors under 18 in public media forums with intent to intimidate, frighten, harass, or cause emotional distress.

Prohibits posting messages in public media forums urging, recommending, or soliciting minors under 18 to injure or kill themselves, with enhanced penalties if the minor causes serious bodily impairment or death to themselves.

Establishes tiered penalties based on offender age: minors under 18 face up to 90 days or $500 for first violation; adults 18+ face up to 1 year or $1,000 for first violation of subsections (1)(a)-(b), with felony penalties for second violations and subsection (1)(c) violations.

Defines "public media forum" as the internet or any medium designed to convey information to other individuals, including those requiring membership or password access; penalty increases to up to 20 years imprisonment and $20,000 fine if an adult's posts result in a minor's death.