SB 2654 Summary

• Prohibits female genital mutilation of minors and criminalizes the act, arranging for the act, transporting minors for the procedure, or aiding and abetting such actions with a minimum 10-year prison sentence and $50,000 fine.

• 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, with written notice within 12 hours; failure to report is a misdemeanor punishable by up to 1 year in prison and $5,000 fine.

• Allows victims to recover treble damages for pain, suffering, psychological trauma, exemplary damages, litigation costs, expert fees, and attorney fees from perpetrators and providers who fail to comply with reporting obligations.

• Establishes genital mutilation as child abuse under Section 97-5-39 and as grounds for termination of parental rights under Section 93-15-121.

• Waives state tort claim limits and sovereign immunity for causes of action based on female genital mutilation, and creates a 10-year statute of limitations for filing civil actions (versus the standard 1-year limit for assault cases); effective July 1, 2023.