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MarylandHB 13892026 Regular SessionHouseWALLET

Public Health - Female Genital Mutilation

Sponsored By: Dana Jones (Democratic)

Signed by Governor

Public HealthFamily LawCivil Actions and ProceduresAttorneys' FeesAwareness and OutreachChild Abuse and NeglectCircuit CourtsCivil Actions -see also- Small ClaimsCommittees and CommissionsCounties -see also- Chartered Counties; Code Counties; etc.Crimes and Punishments -see also- Penalties and Sentnc; etc.DamagesHealth -see also- COVID19; EnvHlth; MedCon; etc.Health, Department ofHealth Occupations -see also- (specific health occupations)InjuryLicenses -see also- AB Lic; Certifications; DrLic; PermitsMinors -see also- Age of Majority; YouthNoticesPenalties and Sentences -see also- Death PenaltyPleasPrivacyPublic InformationReportsSexual OffensesStatutes of LimitationVictims -see also- Criminal Injuries CompensationWomen -see also- Gender

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

5 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 2 costs, 0 mixed.

License loss for FGM convictions

Starting October 1, 2026, if a licensed health professional is convicted, pleads guilty or nolo contendere, or gets probation before judgment for an FGM offense, their board must revoke the license. This ends the person’s ability to practice in Maryland.

Right to sue for FGM harm

Beginning October 1, 2026, an FGM victim can sue in circuit court where the harm happened or where they live. Courts can award actual, compensatory, and punitive damages, attorney’s fees, court costs, and expert fees, plus other relief. You must file by the later of 10 years after the violation or when the victim turns 28.

FGM labeled child abuse; mandatory reports

The law treats FGM as child abuse under Family Law. Starting October 1, 2026, health workers, police, teachers, and human service workers must report suspected child abuse. Make an oral report as soon as possible and a written report within 48 hours to the local department, with a copy to the local State’s Attorney. Staff at hospitals, schools, and similar places must also tell the head of their institution right away.

Stronger criminal penalties for FGM on minors

Beginning October 1, 2026, it is a crime to perform, try to perform, or plan FGM on anyone under 18. It is also illegal to take a minor out of Maryland for FGM. A parent or guardian who knowingly consents is guilty too. Penalties are a felony, up to 10 years in prison and up to a $10,000 fine. Medically necessary surgery by a licensed practitioner is allowed, but cultural or ritual reasons do not count.

Public reports and education on FGM

Starting October 1, 2026, the Health Department develops and shares culturally and linguistically appropriate FGM education materials with providers, police, schools, and the public. Beginning in 2027, by December 1 each year, the Department publishes a public report with de-identified data on FGM reports, prosecutions, convictions, civil cases, and judgments.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Dana Jones

    Democratic • House

Cosponsors

  • Jackie Addison

    Democratic • House

  • Adrian Boafo

    Democratic • House

  • Jessica Feldmark

    Democratic • House

  • Linda Foley

    Democratic • House

  • Catherine M. Forbes

    Democratic • House

  • Guy Guzzone

    Democratic • Senate

  • Terri L. Hill

    Democratic • House

  • Anne R. Kaiser

    Democratic • House

  • Mary A. Lehman

    Democratic • House

  • Lesley J. Lopez

    Democratic • House

  • Aletheia McCaskill

    Democratic • House

  • Julie Palakovich Carr

    Democratic • House

  • N. Scott Phillips

    Democratic • House

  • Malcolm P. Ruff

    Democratic • House

  • Emily Shetty

    Democratic • House

  • William C. Smith

    Democratic • Senate

  • Jared Solomon

    Democratic • House

  • Ryan Spiegel

    Democratic • House

  • Vaughn Stewart

    Democratic • House

  • Deni Taveras

    Democratic • House

  • Jen Terrasa

    Democratic • House

  • Karen Toles

    Democratic • House

  • Ron Watson

    Democratic • Senate

  • Jheanelle K. Wilkins

    Democratic • House

  • Nicole A. Williams

    Democratic • House

  • Sarah Wolek

    Democratic • House

  • Jamila J. Woods

    Democratic • House

  • Natalie Ziegler

    Democratic • House

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 179 • No: 0

Senate vote • 4/6/2026

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 46 • No: 0 • Other: 1

House vote • 3/18/2026

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 133 • No: 0 • Other: 5

Actions Timeline

  1. Approved by the Governor - Chapter 29

    4/14/2026

  2. Returned Passed

    4/7/2026House

  3. Third Reading Passed (46-0)

    4/6/2026Senate

  4. Favorable Adopted Second Reading Passed

    3/31/2026Senate

  5. Favorable Report by Finance

    3/30/2026Senate

  6. Referred Finance

    3/19/2026Senate

  7. Third Reading Passed (133-0)

    3/18/2026House

  8. Favorable Adopted Second Reading Passed

    3/18/2026House

  9. Favorable Report by Judiciary

    3/18/2026House

  10. Hearing 3/10 at 1:00 p.m.

    2/16/2026House

  11. First Reading Judiciary

    2/13/2026House

Bill Text

  • Enacted

    4/14/2026

    PDF

  • Third Reading

    3/18/2026

    PDF

  • First Reading

    2/13/2026

    PDF

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