HB 245 Summary

• Creates new crime of female genital mutilation (AS 11.41.275) making it illegal to knowingly perform the procedure on females under 18, remove minors from state for the procedure, or as a parent/guardian consent to or permit the procedure.

• Establishes affirmative defense when procedure performed by licensed health care provider for medical purposes during labor/birth or to correct anatomical abnormality or remove diseased tissue threatening health.

• Classifies female genital mutilation as unclassified felony with minimum 5-year prison sentence and up to $500,000 fine; prohibits religious belief, ritual, custom, or standard practice as legal defense.

• Mandates permanent license revocation for physicians, nurses, midwives, and nursing practitioners convicted of female genital mutilation.

• Requires Department of Health and Social Services to establish educational and outreach activities targeting immigrant populations about health risks and legal prohibitions of female genital mutilation.