2005 Senate Bill 74 / Public Act 205

Penalty for false “Amber Alert”

Introduced in the Senate

Jan. 25, 2005

Introduced by Sen. Michael Goschka (R-32)

To prohibit making a false child abduction report, subject to up to four years in prison and a $2,000 fine.

Referred to the Committee on Judiciary

March 9, 2005

Reported without amendment

With the recommendation that the bill pass.

March 16, 2005

Substitute offered by Sen. Michael Goschka (R-32)

To replace the previous version of the bill with one that also makes a violator liable for the costs incurred by the police and the media in posting a false "Amber Alert".

The substitute passed by voice vote

Passed in the Senate 34 to 0 (details)

To prohibit making a false child abduction report, subject to up to four years in prison, a $2,000 fine, and repayment of the costs generated by posting a false "Amber Alert".

Received in the House

March 16, 2005

Referred to the Committee on Judiciary

Oct. 5, 2005

Reported without amendment

With the recommendation that the amendment be adopted and that the bill then pass.

Oct. 6, 2005

Amendment offered

To establish that if passed the bill will go into effect on February 1, 2006.

The amendment passed by voice vote

Passed in the House 106 to 0 (details)

To prohibit making a false child abduction report, subject to up to four years in prison, a $2,000 fine, and repayment of the costs generated by posting a false "Amber Alert".

Received in the Senate

Oct. 11, 2005

Oct. 27, 2005

Passed in the Senate 37 to 0 (details)

To concur with the House-passed version of the bill.

Signed by Gov. Jennifer Granholm

Nov. 10, 2005