Senate Bill 2075 Summary

• Prohibits female genital mutilation of minors and establishes criminal penalties of at least 10 years imprisonment and $50,000 fine for anyone who mutilates, arranges for, or knowingly/recklessly transports a resident out-of-state for mutilation.

• Requires healthcare providers, teachers, and social services providers to immediately report suspected or threatened mutilation to the Mississippi Department of Child Protection Services and law enforcement; failure to report is 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 persons responsible for or failing to report mutilation.

• Establishes a 10-year statute of limitations for civil actions based on female genital mutilation and waives governmental tort claim limits and sovereign immunity for such claims.

• Amends child abuse and parental rights termination statutes to classify female genital mutilation as felonious child abuse and as grounds for termination of parental rights.