Dear Neighbor,
Here is some information that I hope you will find helpful, including updates and news from your state government.
Jordan D’s Law to Make Sextortion Illegal Passes House
Last week, the House passed “Jordan D’s Law” (HBs 5887–5889), which is a three-bill package. The legislation would punish those who coerce individuals into sending explicit images to extort them for money or other acts under the threat of exposure to friends, family or the public. I sponsored House Bill 5888, which creates the sentencing guidelines.
While working on this legislation, I had the privilege of meeting Jordan DeMay’s parents. Jordan was a popular athlete in his senior year at a Marquette high school when he was allegedly extorted by adult men on another continent. Seventeen-year-old Jordan believed he was chatting with a girl his age when he sent an intimate photo of himself. The men then used the photo to pressure Jordan for money that he did not have; when he couldn’t produce the money, the men allegedly urged Jordan to kill himself, which he did.
This legislation not only creates criminal penalties for this egregious conduct, it also requires that children are educated on how to recognize a sextortion attempt and what to do in response. Since 2021, the FBI has seen a tenfold increase in “sextortion” cases, though it is believed that the humiliating nature of this crime has resulted in significant underreporting.
House Passes Legislation to Remove Barriers to Expungement
For the most part, the bipartisan criminal justice reform known as “Clean Slate” has been a good thing. Passed in 2020, it expanded the types and number of convictions eligible for expungement. However, the legislation also resulted in an unintended consequence that limits the expungement of multiple offenses. As the law is currently written, a person must not have an additional conviction in the statutorily determined waiting period between a conviction and expungement eligibility. On Friday, the House passed my bill (HB 5957) to allow multiple convictions to be expunged from an individual’s record with a single application.
This legislation will create more efficiency as, currently, each expungement is treated as a separate court case that requires action from the Attorney General’s office, Michigan State Police, the courts and prosecutors. This creates additional work for public entities as well as barriers for individuals trying to get their records expunged, many of whom are eager for the new opportunities afforded by expungement. Adding an extra year or more to the process can hold them back from new employment, housing or educational opportunities.
Common-Sense Gun Reform Sees Movement in Legislature
Last week, the House passed bills to better ensure that firearms don’t get in the hands of individuals who are legally prohibited from having them. Specifically, House Bills 6222 and 6223 would increase the criminal penalties for illegally purchasing a firearm or attempting to purchase a firearm, require licensed gun dealers to report attempts to illegally purchase a firearm to the police and make a failure to do so a felony and require a gun seller to report attempted illegal purchases to law enforcement within 24 hours of the attempted purchase.
Additionally, the Senate passed legislation to prohibit the manufacture, sale or possession of bump stocks (SB 942) and ghost guns (SBs 1149 and 1150).
Lansing Parks and Recreation Registration Open
Registration is open for the city of Lansing’s winter and spring activity offerings. The Lansing Living Guide has information about what is being offered, including out-of-school programs for kids and teens, youth and adult sports leagues and athletic classes. Register for activities and programs here.
This Friday: UIA Class Action Settlement Deadline
This Friday, Dec. 20, is the final day to file to register for a class action settlement in Saunders v. Michigan Unemployment Insurance Agency. This applies to workers who received unemployment benefits in the pandemic and had the benefits wrongly taken away by the state. Eligible recipients should have received an email and postcard from the settlement administrator. More information can be found at bwclassactions.com.
Lame Duck Winds Down as “Trifecta” Comes to an End
We are in the last days of the historic Democratic trifecta in which Democrats are in majority in both legislative chambers as well as the governor’s office.
During the last two years, we accomplished many things that most voters wanted, like tax relief, increased education funding, civil rights protections, common-sense gun regulations and more. The House will now shift to a Republican-led majority, which means that Democrats return to the minority.
Right now, I am making sure that my district’s priorities get through the craziness of Lame Duck before I am one of just 52 Democrats with 58 Republicans in control. Things are moving fast, but I will do my best to keep you informed here and on Facebook.
Office Closed for the Holidays
My office will be closed Dec. 23 through Jan. 1 for the holidays. If you are in need of emergency food, housing or utility assistance during this period, please call 211. They may be able to help.
I wish you all a happy holiday season!
Sincerely,
Kara Hope
State Representative, 74th House District