Lansing Update: MCC Supports Bill Protecting Kids from ‘Sextortion’
Posted March 20, 2026
Schools to Distribute Information Against ‘Sextortion’ Under MCC-Supported Bill
Public and nonpublic schools would receive information regarding the state prohibition on sextortion under legislation supported by MCC to protect children from this form of child exploitation.
Sextortion is the practice by which an individual threatens a child with the possibility of sharing a nude or sexual image of the child with the public, and demands additional sexual content, sexual activity, or money from the child. Legislation making sextortion a crime in Michigan was approved and signed into law in 2024.
Under House Bill 4848, sponsored by Rep. John Fitzgerald (D-Wyoming), schools would be required to distribute the state-provided informational notice on sextortion to school personnel as well as students in grades 6 through 12 and their parents.
The bill cleared the House Government Operations Committee and is now on the House floor for further consideration. MCC previously testified in support of the legislation in committee and successfully advocated for nonpublic schools to be included in receiving and distributing the sextortion information materials.
MCC Opposes Exempting Businesses from Charging Excessive Interest
Businesses that offer individuals an advance payment of their earned wages should not be exempt from state laws prohibiting the charging of excessive interest, MCC said in offering opposition to House Bill 5569.
The legislation would exempt earned wage advance (EWA) companies from state law that prohibits usury, or the charging of unnecessarily high interest rates. MCC opposes policies that could subject individuals—particularly those who may already be poor or vulnerable—to exorbitant interest rates.
EWA providers allow individuals to access a portion of their earned but unpaid wages by paying a fee and receiving an advance of those wages. The services are typically offered through mobile apps and in partnership with the individual’s employer.
HB 5569—sponsored by Rep. Peter Herzberg (D-Westland)—is part of a larger package aimed at establishing a regulatory framework for EWA providers in Michigan. The package received a hearing before the House Regulatory Reform Committee, but no action has been taken.
Next Up: Legislative Spring Break, Holy Week & Easter
With the conclusion of this week, the state House heads to spring break, and will not hold regular session again until Tuesday, April 14. The state Senate will hold session next week and then break for spring until April 14.
This will also likely be the final Lansing Update before Holy Week, in which Catholics and all Christians are invited to contemplate the sacred mysteries of the Passion, Death, and Resurrection of Our Lord Jesus Christ.
One of the best ways to prepare fully for the joyful celebration of Christ’s triumph on Easter Sunday is to participate—to the extent you are able—with the Church’s liturgies on the evening of Holy Thursday, the afternoon of Good Friday, and the Easter Vigil celebration on Saturday evening.
If that is not possible, consider other opportunities to meditate on the Passion and Death of Our Lord, such as praying the Stations of the Cross on Good Friday.
Holy Week is an opportunity to step away from the demands and distractions of the world and to fully embrace the events that are central to our faith.
May your prayerful preparation during Holy Week renew your faith and hope in the Resurrection of Our Lord that we celebrate with joy on Easter Sunday and in the season to follow!