MI HB5857

Expands Michigan's ethnic intimidation statute to include age, physical disability, sexual orientation, and gender identity as protected characteristics alongside existing protections for race, color, religion, gender, and national origin.

Establishes ethnic intimidation as a felony punishable by imprisonment for not more than 2 years, a fine of not more than $5,000, or both.

Allows victims of ethnic intimidation to bring civil lawsuits for injunctions, actual damages including emotional distress, and other appropriate relief regardless of criminal prosecution outcome.

Entitles prevailing civil plaintiffs to recover treble damages (3 times actual damages or $2,000, whichever is greater) plus reasonable attorney fees and costs.

Covers three forms of ethnic intimidation: causing physical contact, damaging or defacing property, or threatening such acts when reasonable cause exists to believe they will occur.