AR SB318

Creates new criminal offense of unlawful female genital mutilation of a minor as a Class C felony, prohibiting performance, consent, or facilitation of the procedure, with no defense based on religion, custom, or parental consent.

Establishes civil cause of action allowing victims to sue perpetrators and those who direct or assist violations, with available remedies including compensatory damages (treble damages if willful and malicious), punitive damages, and attorney's fees, with claims allowed until victim reaches age 28.

Requires state licensing boards to institute disciplinary action against medical professionals convicted of unlawful female genital mutilation, including potential license revocation.

Mandates Department of Health develop awareness and education programs addressing health risks and criminal penalties, establish partnerships with other agencies, train healthcare providers to recognize victims, and collect annual statistics from county healthcare practitioners.

Provides exceptions for lawful medical procedures performed by licensed professionals necessary to preserve physical health or as part of sex reassignment procedures requested by the minor patient, and extends statute of limitations until victim reaches age 18 or violation is reported to law enforcement.