My amendment would instead state that a fine of up to three times the actual damages could be imposed, giving discretion to a judge or jury hearing the specific facts and circumstances of a particular case to establish an appropriate fine which may be up to three times greater than the actual damages. I appreciate the opportunity to offer this amendment and would request my colleagues to support it.
Senator Chang’s statement is as follows:
I just wanted to remind everyone in the chamber about what these bills do and why they’re so important, especially right now in this moment. In committee we heard some pretty painful but important testimony from leaders in both the Muslim and Jewish communities about real incidents that have happened right here in Michigan where hate has been directly impacting our faith communities right here in our state. When we’re talking about the bills that are before us today, I just really want to make sure everyone is aware that what we are doing today is actually a tremendous step forward to help protect people of all different faith backgrounds to ensure their institutions are protected from harm. This is an important step for us and I will be happily voting “yes” and I encourage my colleagues to do so as well.
The following bill was read a third time:
House Bill No. 4477, entitled
A bill to amend 1927 PA 175, entitled “The code of criminal procedure,” by amending section 16g of chapter XVII (MCL 777.16g), as amended by 2020 PA 50.
The question being on the of the bill,
Senator Chang offered the following substitute:
Substitute (S-1).
The substitute was adopted, a majority of the members serving voting therefor.
The question being on the passage of the bill,
The bill was passed, a majority of the members serving voting therefor, as follows: