As the poorly written AP article says, it's a misdemeanor now. That means it's not a criminal offence. The proposed bill would make it a felony, which is a criminal offence. Clear?
Main Entry: mis·de·mean·or
Pronunciation: "mis-di-'mE-n&r
Function: noun
: a crime that carries a less severe punishment than a felony; specifically : a crime punishable by a fine and by a term of imprisonment not to be served in a penitentiary and not to exceed one year
A misdemeanor is a criminal offense. Typically you can only get on year in jail for it, but it is a crime.