LANSING (WKZO-AM) — A controversial bill that would fine protestors who break the law, and then give the money paid in fines to the person or business they are protesting has cleared the House in Lame Duck and now sits in the Senate with just three days left.
The sponsor of the legislation, Rep. Gary Glenn says “mass picketing” is already a crime. This just makes it more expensive. He says the current penalties, which include a misdemeanor and a $500 fine aren’t sufficient to deter protests.
Opponents of the measure, including Kalamazoo Representative Jon Hoadley of Kalamazoo says it could equally be applied to Tea Party Groups or anyother group that protests for any reason whatsoever. He charges that it suppresses free speech.
The new fine proposed in the legislation would be $1000 per person and $10,000 for the sponsoring group, and paid to the target of the protest.
Other legislative critics say it could be manipulated and abused if the someone posing as a member of the protestors, acted out, with the express purpose of sabotaging and otherwise peaceful event and incurring fines.
Legal experts point out that there are no other laws on the books that give the money from fines to private individuals.
If it doesn’t clear the State Senate in the next three days, it will die at the end of session.
