SENATE BILL NO. 121 SUMMARY

• Amends the Michigan Penal Code section 147b to expand the definition of ethnic intimidation to include acts motivated by a person's gender identification or sexual orientation in addition to existing protections based on race, color, religion, gender, and national origin.

• Defines ethnic intimidation as maliciously causing physical contact, damaging property, or threatening such acts with specific intent to intimidate or harass another person based on protected characteristics.

• 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 actual damages including emotional distress, and permits prevailing plaintiffs to recover triple damages (or $2,000, whichever is greater) plus reasonable attorney fees and costs.

• Takes effect 90 days after enactment.