DHHS: INFORM PUBLIC OF HEALTH RISKS OF FGM

House Bill 4642 as introduced

Sponsor:  Rep. Pam Faris

Committee:  Law and Justice

Complete to 5-26-17

SUMMARY:

House Bill 4642 adds a new section to the Public Health Code to require the development and administration of an educational and outreach program by the Department of Health and Human Services to—at a minimum—inform the public of the health risks and emotional trauma inflicted by the practice of female genital mutilation (FGM) and criminal penalties for FGM. 

The program must include informing members of new immigrant populations and health care providers.  Further, the DHHS must develop and disseminate information on FGM and the criminal penalties to teachers and law enforcement personnel. 

The bill defines "female genital mutilation" to mean the circumcision, excision, or infibulation, in whole or part, of the labia majora, labia minora, or clitoris of a female who is under 18 years of age.  In developing the program described in the bill, the DHHS must seek input from all of the following:

·         The general public, including individuals from communities that, as a matter of custom or ritual, traditionally practice FGM.

·         Women's health organizations.

·         Teachers.  (The bill does not indicate whether this would be K-12 teachers or include teaching staff at institutions of higher education or other educational institutions such as trade schools.)

·         Local health departments.

·         Health care providers, defined to mean:  a person licensed, registered, or otherwise authorized to engage in a health profession under Article 15 of the Code or a health facility or agency as defined in Section 20106.

·         State agencies that the DHHS considers relevant.

FISCAL IMPACT:

The bill will have fiscal implications for the Department of Health and Human Services.  A more detailed fiscal analysis is in process.

                                                                                        Legislative Analyst:   Susan Stutzky

                                                                                                Fiscal Analyst:   Susan Frey

■ This analysis was prepared by nonpartisan House Fiscal Agency staff for use by House members in their deliberations, and does not constitute an official statement of legislative intent.