LANSING, Mich., Feb. 5, 2025 — Democratic Floor Leader John Fitzgerald (D-Wyoming) and state Rep. Kara Hope (D-Holt) joined Gov. Gretchen Whitmer for the ceremonial bill signing of “Jordan D’s Law” yesterday, which ensures minors, vulnerable people and all Michiganders are better protected against threats of online sexual exploitation, or sextortion. Public Acts 261 and 262 enhance criminal penalties and outline sentencing guidelines for those who commit sextortion, including more severe consequences for repeat offenders.
“This law helps prosecutors ensure that our children and all vulnerable residents of Michigan are better protected from this heinous crime,” said Fitzgerald, sponsor of Public Act 261. “I am proud to see this legislation signed into law, which will hold perpetrators accountable to justice and bring some semblance of justice to the families affected by these crimes, while also helping to protect Michiganders of all ages from online sextortion.”
This legislation honors the memory of 17-year-old Jordan DeMay from Marquette, who tragically died by suicide in 2022 after becoming a victim of an online sextortion scheme. As online sextortion continues to be one of the fastest-growing crimes against children, these laws give Michigan the tools to fight back.
“The sentences for sextortion must reflect the severe consequences it has on our children, families and communities — that is how these laws deter sextortion before it starts,” said Hope, sponsor of Public Act 262. “These laws also make certain predators are brought to justice commensurate with the extent of their crime. I am hopeful that these laws will jumpstart further efforts from this Legislature to deliver on educational resources for kids, parents and schools to better recognize sextortion.”
House Bill 5889, sponsored by former state Rep. Jenn Hill, was also a part of the package and would have required schools to provide teaching and training on sextortion. This bill passed the House last term but was not put up for a vote in the Senate.
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