Crimes: penalties; threats or assault against employee of family independence agency; expand. Amends sec. 81c of 1931 PA 328 (MCL 750.81c).

This bill strengthens penalties for threatening, intimidating, or harassing employees of Michigan's Family Independence Agency, which includes staff from the Department of Health and Human Services and contracted private agencies. It expands criminal liability to cover verbal threats, intimidation, and harassment specifically targeting these workers due to their employment status. The legislation establishes misdemeanor charges for threats, intimidation, or harassment punishable by up to one year in jail or a $1,000 fine, while physical assaults causing injury become felonies with potential sentences of up to two years or a $1,000 fine. More severe assaults resulting in serious impairment of body functions carry felony penalties of up to five years in prison and fines ranging from $1,000 to $5,000. The bill also clarifies definitions for harassment and intimidation while ensuring that convictions under this law do not prevent prosecution under other applicable laws.