Crimes and offenses; crime of female genital mutilation established, penalties provided

This bill establishes female genital mutilation as a criminal offense in Alabama, targeting individuals who perform or authorize the procedure on girls under 19 years of age. The law defines the crime to include various procedures such as cutting, excising, or burning genital tissue for nonmedical purposes and imposes Class B felony penalties on those who commit the act, allow it to happen under their custody, or remove a girl from the state for this purpose. The legislation explicitly states that religious or cultural beliefs do not provide a legal defense and that minors cannot consent to the procedure, while allowing exceptions only for medically necessary procedures performed by licensed physicians. The bill does not change medical liability standards and will take effect on June 1, 2026.