MI HB5017

Prohibits cyberbullying, defined as posting a message or statement in a public media forum intended to place a person in fear of bodily harm or death and expressing intent to commit violence, posted with intent to communicate a threat or knowledge it will be viewed as a threat

First offense of cyberbullying is a misdemeanor punishable by up to 93 days imprisonment or a fine of up to $500, or both

Second offense is a misdemeanor punishable by up to 1 year imprisonment or a fine of up to $1,000, or both

Cyberbullying involving a continued pattern of harassing or intimidating behavior that causes serious injury to the victim is a felony punishable by up to 5 years imprisonment or a fine of up to $5,000, or both

Cyberbullying involving a continued pattern of harassing or intimidating behavior that causes the victim's death is a felony punishable by up to 10 years imprisonment or a fine of up to $10,000, or both; effective March 27, 2019