Purpose of the Bill

The bill aims to address the issue of female genital mutilation (FGM) in Minnesota by establishing a task force to prevent the practice and ensure better enforcement of laws prohibiting it.

Main Provisions

• Task Force Creation: The Commissioner of Health, in consultation with the Commissioner of Public Safety, will establish a task force dedicated to strengthening education, outreach, and enforcement related to FGM.
• Membership: The task force will have up to 15 members, including survivors, community leaders, public health professionals, and law enforcement personnel. The Commissioner will appoint these members by November 1, 2025, and the first meeting will occur by January 1, 2026.
• Meeting Frequency and Management: The task force must meet at least four times a year and can hold additional meetings as needed. Members will elect a chairperson annually.
• Duties: The task force will:
  1. Develop education strategies for impacted communities and the public about the medical, legal, and criminal consequences of FGM.
  2. Raise awareness about the physical and emotional harms of FGM through partnerships in schools and with healthcare and law enforcement professionals.
  3. Provide information about laws requiring culturally appropriate services to prevent child removal and promote family reunification.
  4. Improve data collection and coordination among law enforcement and health agencies.
  5. Recommend resources to protect children and support families against societal pressure for FGM.
  6. Undertake additional duties as decided by the task force.
• Report: An annual report on task force activities is required to be submitted to key government officials and legislative committees.
• Support and Resources: The Commissioner of Health must provide administrative support and meeting space for the task force.

Significant Changes

The bill introduces a new section in the Minnesota Statutes that mandates funding and resources for this task force to ensure ongoing efforts against FGM.

Relevant Terms

• Female genital mutilation (FGM)
• Task force
• Public health
• Education and outreach
• Law enforcement
• Cultural services
• Data collection
• Community pressure