LANSING, Mich. (March 19, 2026) — Today, the Michigan Senate unanimously passed Senate Bill 502, legislation championed by Sen. Sue Shink (D-Northfield Twp.) to shore up the state’s anti-terrorism law. Law enforcement officials and justice advocates have called for improvements to Michigan’s anti-terrorism statute that would equip the state with the tools needed to effectively and constitutionally prosecute terrorist threats, and the urgency of this change was underscored by last week’s targeted attack on Temple Israel in West Bloomfield.
“With hate crimes, antisemitism, and extremist threats on the rise, we must do everything we can to keep our communities safe,” said Sen. Shink. “My bill would strengthen the state’s ability to respond to threats of terrorism, which is more important now than ever. My colleagues and I will continue fighting to ensure that anyone who threatens an act of terror here in Michigan is held accountable for their crimes.
”Last year, the Michigan Court of Appeals raised concerns with the state’s anti-terrorism law because, as currently written, it does not include an intent requirement — proof that a defendant understands the threatening nature of their statements or acted recklessly when making them. Senate Bill 502 would add the intent element to Michigan’s anti-terrorism statute, strengthening Michigan’s law and empowering law enforcement to effectively respond to threats of terrorism.
“Michigan’s existing anti-terrorism law has saved lives and has been instrumental in prosecuting threats against schools, law enforcement, judicial officers and elected officials on both sides of the aisle. Senate Bill 502 updates the existing statue, as enacted under Governor Engler, and ensures Michigan continues to criminalize engaging in terrorist activity,” said Attorney General Dana Nessel. “I appreciate Senator Shink’s work to introduce this much-needed statutory change, Senate Majority Leader Brinks for recognizing its importance, and the Senate for passing it through their chamber today. We cannot allow divided government to weaken our ability to respond to threats of terrorism, and I implore the House of Representatives to pass this bill urgently into law.”
Senate Bill 502 now heads to the House for further consideration.
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