MS SB2022

Prohibits female genital mutilation of minors and defines mutilation to include partial or total removal of the clitoris or labia, vaginal narrowing, and other harmful procedures to female genitalia unless medically necessary.

Establishes criminal penalties of at least 10 years imprisonment and $50,000 fine for performing, arranging, or transporting minors for mutilation; makes failure to report by healthcare providers, teachers, and social workers a misdemeanor punishable by up to 1 year imprisonment and $5,000 fine.

Creates civil remedies allowing victims to recover treble damages for pain, suffering, and psychological trauma, plus exemplary damages, litigation costs, expert fees, and attorney fees from perpetrators and negligent providers.

Amends child abuse law to classify genital mutilation as felonious child abuse and grounds for termination of parental rights; removes noneconomic damages caps and sovereign immunity limitations for mutilation cases.

Establishes a 10-year statute of limitations for civil actions based on genital mutilation, beginning when the cause of action accrues; effective July 1, 2019.