Snyder signs legislation ­penalizing ransomware crimes

Gov. Rick Snyder signed legislation on Monday outlining specific penalties for cybercrimes involving ransomware.

“Cybercrime and tough measures to combat it is a rapidly evolving effort, and it’s integral our law enforcement agencies have the tools to identify, prevent and penalize it,” Snyder said.

House Bills 5257-5258, sponsored by state Reps. Brandt Iden and James Lower, respectively, prohibit and prescribe a felony penalty of up to three years imprisonment for knowingly possessing ransomware with the intent to introduce it into a computer or computer network without authorization. The bills are now PAs 95-96 of 2018.

Snyder also signed five additional measures:

• HB 5097, sponsored by state Rep. Beth Griffin, creates a statewide standard for permit fees and permit structures that County road commissions can charge telecommunications or video service providers for permits to perform work within county road right-of-way. The bill is now PA 97 of 2018.

• HB 5220, sponsored by state Rep. Michele Hoitenga, increases the allowable amount of the active ingredient, oleoresin capsicum in pepper spray, from 10 percent to 18 percent. This update aligns Michigan law with 45 other states. The bill is now PA 98 of 2018.

• HB 5282, sponsored by state Rep. Peter Lucido, provides clarity to circuit court judges by prohibiting courts from setting conditions for restricted driver licenses and retaining jurisdiction over restricted driver licenses ordered by the court. The bill is now PA 99 of 2018.

• HB 5456, sponsored by state Rep. Jason Wentworth, amends the Revised Judicature Act to add the “Asbestos Bankruptcy Trust Claims Transparency Act”. The bill requires plaintiffs who pursue damages involving the health effects of asbestos exposure to indicate if they have previously filed suits against trusts or settlement funds created to provide compensation to claimants related to asbestos. The bill is now PA 100 of 2018.

• HB 5678, sponsored by state Rep. Bronna Kahle, amends the date by which bona fide prescriber-patient relationship is required to prescribe controlled substances from March 31, 2018 to March 31, 2019, providing the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs with adequate time to develop administrative rules without impacting patient continuum of care. The bill is now PA 101 of 2018.

For more information on this and other legislation, visit www.legislature.mi.gov.