Bill > SB00259

This bill establishes the crime of female genital mutilation, defined as knowingly circumcising, excising, or infibulating any part of the female genitalia of a person under eighteen years old, unless it's a medically necessary surgical operation performed by a licensed health professional for a legitimate health purpose, not based on custom or ritual. Performing female genital mutilation is classified as a class D felony. For child victims of female genital mutilation, assault, sexual assault, or abuse who are twelve years old or younger, their testimony can be taken outside the courtroom via closed-circuit television or recorded for later viewing, with specific provisions to protect the child from intimidation by the defendant. Furthermore, children who are victims of female genital mutilation, assault, sexual assault, or abuse will not be automatically deemed incompetent to testify solely due to their age. The bill also authorizes victims to bring civil lawsuits for damages against those who committed the violation, and it removes the legal protection that typically prevents children from suing their parents, allowing such actions to be brought by a child against a parent. Finally, it extends the time limit for victims to file a lawsuit for personal injury caused by female genital mutilation to thirty years after they turn eighteen.