House Bill 644 Alabama 2026 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Prince ChestnutRepresentative

Democrat

Session

2026 Regular Session

Title

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

Summary

HB644 would establish the crime of female genital mutilation in Alabama, set Class B felony penalties for involved parties, and provide a narrow medical exception with an effective date of June 1, 2026.

What This Bill Does

Defines FGM as removing or harming the genitalia of a female under 19 for nonmedical reasons, including related procedures. Establishes Class B felony penalties for performing FGM, for guardians who knowingly allow or direct it, and for transporting a girl out of state to do so. States that a minor cannot consent and that religious or cultural claims are not defenses. Allows a narrow medical exception when a licensed physician determines it is medically necessary to preserve health, and notes that medical-liability laws are unchanged.

Who It Affects

• Females under 19 years old who would be protected from FGM; they cannot legally consent to such procedures.
• Parents, legal guardians, immediate custodians or anyone with custody or control of a female under 19 who knowingly allows, authorizes, directs, or arranges FGM (including removing the girl from Alabama); and licensed physicians who may perform procedures only when medically necessary.

Key Provisions

• Definition of female genital mutilation to include removal or harm to labia majora/minora or clitoris, or clitoridectomy, under 19, and other nonmedical procedures such as incising, piercing, scraping, nicking, cauterizing, burning, and scarring.
• Creates Class B felony penalties for (1) performing FGM on a female under 19; (2) a parent/guardian/custodian who knowingly allows, authorizes, or directs FGM; (3) removing a female under 19 from the state to commit or allow FGM.
• Under 19 cannot consent to FGM; no defense based on religion, custom, ritual, or consent.
• Allows a medical exception where a licensed physician determines the procedure is medically necessary to preserve health.
• Does not modify Alabama Medical Liability Act or related care standards.
• Effective date June 1, 2026.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano-2025-08-07 on Mar 19, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Crimes & Offenses