Protesting and marching in the street without a permit in Michigan is currently only a civil infraction.

House Republicans are pushing to criminalize this act.

Next week, the House Judiciary Committee will hear testimony on the Republican bill that, if passed, would make it a misdemeanor for a group of 10 or more people to block or impede traffic on a public roadway.

The charge would carry up to 93 days in jail and a fine of up to $5,000.

ACLU of Michigan Legislative Director Kyle Zawacki said his organization has grave concerns about the chilling effect the escalated penalties would have on free speech and the right to assemble.

“The state already has the ability to enforce and regulate this with civil infractions,” Zawacki said. “The idea of increasing this with a monetary fine an

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