Substitute Senate Bill No. 259, also known as Public Act No. 26-5, establishes new legal provisions concerning female genital mutilation (FGM) in the state. Effective October 1, 2026, the bill makes it a class D felony for any person to knowingly perform FGM on individuals under the age of eighteen, with specific exceptions for surgical operations deemed necessary for health or medical purposes, provided they are performed by licensed healthcare professionals. The bill also clarifies that operations based on custom or ritual beliefs do not qualify as necessary for health or medical purposes. Additionally, the bill introduces new provisions regarding the testimony of child victims in cases involving FGM, allowing for special procedures to ensure their comfort and safety during legal proceedings.

The bill repeals and replaces existing statutes related to the testimony of child witnesses, specifically including provisions for cases of FGM, assault, sexual assault, or child abuse. It allows for civil actions against violators of the FGM law, abrogates parental immunity in such cases, and sets a statute of limitations for personal injury claims related to FGM, allowing victims to file until thirty years after reaching the age of eighteen. Overall, the legislation aims to strengthen protections for minors against FGM and improve the legal process for child victims in related cases.

Statutes affected:
Raised Bill: 54-86g, 54-86h
File No. 586: 54-86g, 54-86h
Public Act No. 26-5: 54-86g, 54-86h