Families of victims urge Michigan lawmakers to pass sextortion education bill

March 13, 2026 - 00:02

A Michigan House committee heard emotional testimony Thursday from law enforcement officials and grieving parents in support of legislation aimed at educating students about the dangers of sextortion, an online crime that authorities say is increasingly targeting minors.

The measure, House Bill 4848, is sponsored by Democratic state Rep. John Fitzgerald of Wyoming and would require the Michigan Department of Education to develop a model program for schools to teach students about the severe risks of sextortion. This crime involves criminals coercing victims, often teenagers, into sending explicit images and then blackmailing them for money or more content under threat of sharing the material publicly.

During the hearing, parents who have lost children to suicide following sextortion attacks shared heartbreaking stories, urging lawmakers to act. Law enforcement officials detailed the alarming rise in cases targeting young people, emphasizing that education is a critical tool for prevention. The proposed program would equip students with knowledge on how to recognize predatory behavior, the legal consequences of sharing intimate images, and where to seek help if targeted. Supporters argue that proactive education in schools can save lives by breaking the shame and silence that often surrounds these crimes. The bill now awaits further consideration by the full chamber.