HB109 Alabama 2018 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Rod Scott

Democrat

Session

Regular Session 2018

Title

Genital mutilation, making act on female under 19 years of age a Class B felony

Summary

HB 109 would make female genital mutilation of girls under 19 a Class B felony.

What This Bill Does

Defines female genital mutilation as circumcising, excising, mutilating, or infibulating the labia or clitoris of a female under 19. Makes it a Class B felony to knowingly perform FGMs, to consent or permit a relative or guardian to do it, or to remove a minor from Alabama to have it done. States that religious or cultural requirements are not a defense. Allows medically necessary surgical procedures to be performed by licensed physicians in hospitals with safeguards (second physician concurrence, emergency exceptions, and no change to hospital standards or liability laws). Note: the bill discusses local-funding rules under Amendment 621, but the act is exempt from local funding approval due to those exceptions; effective immediately upon passage.

Who It Affects

• Girls under 19 would be protected from genital mutilation; it would be illegal to perform or arrange it.
• Parents or guardians with custody of a girl under 19, or others who consent to or permit the procedure, or who remove the girl from Alabama to have it performed, would face Class B felony charges.

Key Provisions

• Defines female genital mutilation as removing or injuring the labia or clitoris of a female under 19.
• Criminalizes knowingly performing FGM, or knowingly allowing a minor to undergo it, or taking a minor out of state to have it done (Class B felony).
• Not a defense that FGMs are required by religion, culture, or tradition.
• Medical exception allowing medically necessary surgical procedures by a licensed physician in a hospital, with second physician concurrence unless emergency, and related constraints; does not change medical liability laws.
• Note about Amendment 621: bill would involve new local funding but is exempt from local-funding approval due to the amendment’s exceptions.
• Effective immediately after governor's signature or when it becomes law.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 24, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Crimes and Offenses