HOUSE BILL NO. 6269

September 29, 2020, Introduced by Rep. LaFave and referred to the Committee on Military, Veterans and Homeland Security.

A bill to amend 1939 PA 280, entitled

"The social welfare act,"

(MCL 400.1 to 400.119b) by adding section 57aa.

the people of the state of michigan enact:

Sec. 57aa. (1) If an individual is charged with looting, vandalism, or a violent crime in relation to or stemming from civil unrest, the department shall revoke his or her public assistance benefits. The individual is ineligible for public assistance benefits for 1 year.

(2) If an individual participates in the behavior described in subsection (1) and has a child with him or her while participating in that behavior, the department must report the individual to child protective services.

(3) As used in this section:

(a) "Civil unrest" means an act of violence or disorder detrimental to the public law and order. Civil unrest includes riots, acts of violence, insurrections, or unlawful obstruction or assemblage.

(b) "Looting" means stealing or the theft of goods from a place during a war or riot.

(c) "Public assistance" means any assistance the state may provide under this act directly for the individual, including, but not limited to, cash assistance, food assistance, or medical assistance. Public assistance does not include child care assistance.

(c) "Vandalism" means action involving malicious, deliberate destruction of or damage to public or private property.

(d) "Violent crime" means a crime that involves force or threat of force. Violent crime includes, but is not limited to, murder, nonnegligent manslaughter, rape, robbery, or aggravated assault. Violent crime also includes a crime involving a deadly weapon, intimidation, threat, or coercion.