HB170 Alabama 2020 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Rod Scott

Democrat

Session

Regular Session 2020

Title

Crimes and offenses, crime of female genital mutilation established, criminal penalties provided

Summary

HB 170 would create a new crime of female genital mutilation, set penalties, and allow a medical exception when necessary.

What This Bill Does

It defines female genital mutilation as removing or harmfully altering female genitalia in someone under 19 and includes non-medical procedures. It makes performing FGM on someone under 19, or a parent/guardian who allows or directs it, or taking a child out of state to have it done, a Class B felony. It states that individuals under 19 cannot legally consent, and that religious or cultural beliefs do not make the act legal. It provides an exception for procedures by licensed medical professionals when medically necessary, and notes the act does not change medical liability standards; it also clarifies the bill is exempt from certain local-funding requirements and becomes effective immediately after governor approval.

Who It Affects

• Females under 19 would be protected from FGM and could be victims of a Class B felony if subjected to the procedure.
• Parents/guardians or anyone with custody who knowingly allows, authorizes, directs, or arranges FGM (including transporting a child out of state) could be charged with a Class B felony; medical professionals are exempt only when the procedure is medically necessary.

Key Provisions

• Definition of female genital mutilation: removing, cutting, excising, infibulating, or injuring the labia or clitoris of a female under 19, plus other non-medical harmful procedures.
• Crimes and penalties: (a) performing FGM on a female under 19; (b) a parent/guardian or custodian who knowingly allows/authorizes/directs FGM; (c) removing a female under 19 from Alabama to commit or allow FGM — all are Class B felonies.
• Consent and defenses: a person under 19 cannot consent; religious, cultural, or customary beliefs and consent are not defenses.
• Medical exception: licensed physicians or certain mid-level providers may perform procedures if medically necessary to preserve health.
• Liability and standard of care: the bill does not establish a hospital or physician standard of care or alter existing medical liability laws.
• Local funding and effective date: the bill is exempt from Amendment 621 local-funding requirements because it creates a new crime; it takes effect immediately upon governor’s approval.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 22, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Crimes and Offenses