• Lawmakers Greet Michigan's Bishops at State Capitol Luncheon
• U.S. Bishops to Gather for Mass of Prayer and Penance for Survivors of Abuse
• Conference Committees Pass Revised Budget Proposals for 2017-2018 Year
• Human Trafficking Expert Testimony Legislation Awaits Governor's Consideration
• Knights of Columbus Fundraising Bill Continues to Full Senate
• After Passing the House, Senate Committee Next Stop for FGM Package
• Sanctuary City Debate: MCC Neutral on Legislation But Raises Concerns
• Opioid Measures Continue Forward in Both Chambers
• Bill on Local Governments and School Sale Passes House Committee

On Wednesday, June 14, the U.S. bishops will gather in Indianapolis for their Spring General Assembly. On that day, the bishops will also gather at Ss. Peter and Paul Cathedral for a Mass of Prayer and Penance for survivors of sexual abuse within in the Church. This Mass will be an opportunity to gather in solidarity to pray for victims and to acknowledge the pain caused by the failures of the Church in the past. The bishops will also recite a commemorative prayer that has been written for survivors of abuse. All dioceses and eparchies have been provided with prayers to use at any time of their choosing after June 14 and may choose to schedule their own local Masses or events to promote healing.

This week, the House Law and Justice Committee considered both the House and Senate packages of bills aimed at prohibiting female genital mutilation (FGM), or various degrees of painful cutting on female genital organs. The issue of FGM has gained national attention in recent months due to alleged cases on children in the Detroit area. Among other aspects, the measures would prohibit FGM of a minor in state statute, create felony sentencing for violations of the law of up to fifteen years in prison and $25,000 in fines, prohibit a person from transporting a child for the purpose of performing FGM, encourage education to communities about the harm caused by the practice, and revoke the medical license of a doctor found to have conducted the practice. Michigan Catholic Conference supported House Bills 4636-4640, 4642; House Resolution 105; and Senate Bills 337-339 during the committee and will continue to advocate for their approval to ban the practice and to protect children. Towards the end of the week, the full House of Representatives approved the House measures, which will be sent to the Senate for further consideration. The Senate bills await further consideration by the full House.

Around the country, a number of local governments have instituted "sanctuary city" policies, which vary but generally limit the extent to which law enforcement and other government employees can assist the federal government on immigration matters. Several Michigan cities have their own local versions of this policy, stating that the local police department is prohibited from soliciting immigration status from individuals who seek police services, report crimes, or are witnesses. Status can be solicited, however, if it is relevant to the investigation of a criminal offense, or when processing an arrested person. The House Local Government Committee this week considered two measures aimed at sanctuary city policies. House Bills 4105 and 4334, sponsored by Representatives Pamela Hornberger (R-Chesterfield Township) and Beau LaFave (R-Iron Mountain), prohibit a local unit of government or county from enacting or enforcing any law which limits cooperation with federal officials about a person's immigration status. The Catholic Church does not have a position on the concept of sanctuary cities, but the bishops - as well as Pope Francis himself, have spoken clearly about the human dignity of immigrants and refugees. MCC is neutral on the legislation but expressed several concerns with the legislation during testimony. Staff pointed out that immigration policy and enforcement is a federal responsibility, not a state responsibility, so violations should be dealt with by the U.S. Department of Justice, not the state legislature. Additionally, MCC expressed this legislation may undermine security by sending a signal to immigrants that contact with law enforcement should be avoided. The committee voted the legislation forward on a party-line vote.

The Senate Health Policy Committee approved measures this week to curb opioid abuse, including bills that would require licensed prescribers to run and review a report on a patient's prescription history before prescribing or dispensing a controlled substance to that patient. The package also requires, among other provisions, a licensed prescriber to have a bona-fide relationship with the patient and provide follow-up care if possible. Senate Bills 47, 166-167, 236-237, 270, 273-274, and 360 all await further action on the Senate floor. This week, the House approved its own package of bills also aimed at addressing opioid abuse, House Bills 4403-4408, which will now continue to the Senate Health Policy Committee for further consideration. Among other aspects, the measures regulate pain management clinics, add requirements for schools to teach about opioid abuse, and require parents to provide consent for their children to receive their first prescription of opioids. MCC is monitoring the legislation. To learn more about the Church's response to the opioid crisis, click here and read the Conference's most recent FOCUS publication.