2017 House Bill 5257 / 2018 Public Act 95

Make possession of “ransomware” a felony

Introduced in the House

Nov. 29, 2017

Introduced by Rep. Brandt Iden (R-61)

To make it a crime punishable by up to 10 years in prison to possess “ransomware” software with malicious intent. The bill defines ransomware as “a computer or data contaminant, encryption, or lock” that can be placed or introduced without authorization into a computer or network, and that restricts access in a manner that enables the perpetrator “to demand payment of money or other consideration” to remove it.

Referred to the Committee on Communications and Technology

Jan. 16, 2018

Reported without amendment

With the recommendation that the substitute (H-1) be adopted and that the bill then pass.

Jan. 25, 2018

Passed in the House 103 to 3 (details)

To make it a crime punishable by up to three years in prison to possess “ransomware” software with malicious intent. The bill defines ransomware as “a computer or data contaminant, encryption, or lock” that can be placed or introduced without authorization into a computer or network, and that restricts access in a manner that enables the perpetrator “to demand payment of money or other consideration” to remove it.

Received in the Senate

Jan. 30, 2018

Referred to the Committee on Judiciary

March 8, 2018

Reported without amendment

With the recommendation that the substitute (S-1) be adopted and that the bill then pass.

March 21, 2018

Passed in the Senate 34 to 0 (details)

To make it a crime punishable by up to three years in prison to possess “ransomware” software with malicious intent. The bill defines ransomware as “a computer or data contaminant, encryption, or lock” that can be placed or introduced without authorization into a computer or network, and that restricts access in a manner that enables the perpetrator “to demand payment of money or other consideration” to remove it.

Received in the House

March 21, 2018

March 22, 2018

Passed in the House 106 to 3 (details)

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

Signed by Gov. Rick Snyder

April 2, 2018