It's legislation some feel is long overdue.

"Michigan has a high rate of hate crimes and that is unacceptable," said Linda Parker, the director of the Michigan Department of Civil Rights.

The Michigan Anti-Bias Crime Statute would replace Michigan's Ethnic Intimidation law and would expand the definition of a hate crime in the great lakes state.

"We need to be able to make amendments that will really go into the motive and intent of the perpetrator," Parker added.

Intent that could land you in prison for two years, rather than just a slap on the wrist. Last year, nooses were found on the campus of Central Michigan University. Under the current law, the offenders could not be charged with a hate crime, but under the proposed bill they can.

"This should be a crime," said Rep. Paul Condino (D) of Southfield. "You can't getaway with intimidating someone based on the color of their skin, their religion, their disability, or their sexual orientation."

Instances that currently aren't on the books.

"We've got a number of holes in our current laws that need to be filled," said Lansing Police Chief Mark Alley.

Some local residents we talked to were surprised to know the state wasn't tougher when it comes to hate crimes. Especially those in Old Town where many say they believe a hate crime was committed earlier this year.

In April, anti-gay slurs were spray-painted on buildings, leaving residents shocked. Unfortunately, police could not charge the suspect with a hate crime. But if the new bill passes, that will change...a misdemeanor offense would become a felony.

"It does give our community a better sense of security knowing that if anything like this were to happen in the future, that it can be dealt with even swifter than it was in the past," said Jamie Schriner-Hooper of the Old Town Commercial Association.

The bill should makes its way to a House committee next month.