Individuals convicted of performing female genital mutilation now face stronger criminal penalties under legislation signed this week by Gov. Rick Snyder.
"Those who commit these horrendous crimes should be held accountable for their actions, and these bills stiffen the penalties for offenders while providing additional support to victims," Snyder said. "This legislation is an important step toward eliminating this despicable practice in Michigan while empowering victims to find healing and justice."
The bill package amends various public acts to prohibit and prosecute those who perform female genital mutilation. Specifically, the bills prohibit performing genital mutilation, create criminal penalties for offenders, provide sanctions against healthcare licensees, require increased public education surrounding the topic and extend criminal and civil statutes of limitations.
House Bills 4636-4637, sponsored by state Reps. Michele Hoitenga and Diana Farrington, respectively, Senate Bill 337, sponsored by state Sen. Margaret O'Brien, SB 368, sponsored by state Sen. Tonya Schuitmaker, SB 338, sponsored by state Sen. Rick Jones, SB 369, sponsored by state Sen. Judy Emmons, HB 4638, sponsored by state Rep. Daire Rendon, HB 4639, sponsored by state Rep. Klint Kesto, HBs 4641-4642, sponsored by state Reps. Stephanie Chang and Pam Faris, respectively, HB 4661, sponsored by state Rep. Beth Griffin, and HB 4690, sponsored by state Rep. Bronna Kahle are now Public Acts 68-79 of 2017.
Snyder also signed two additional bills:
- Senate Bill 159, sponsored by state Sen. Tom Casperson, allows a weight exemption of up to 2,000 pounds to be made for vehicles that are powered by compressed natural gas. This allows a vehicle powered by compressed natural gas to carry the same load as a traditional fuel vehicle. It is now Public Act 80 of 2017.
- Senate Bill 410, sponsored by state Sen. Patrick Colbeck, allows for a health professional's license or registration to be permanently revoked if the individual is convicted of female genital mutilation. It is now Public Act 81 of 2017.
For more information on this and other legislation, visit www.legislature.mi.gov.
Published: Thu, Jul 13, 2017
