Excerpt:
Individuals convicted of mutilating female genitalia or transporting girls to other states for a procedure could face up to 15 years in prison under new laws signed Tuesday by Gov. Rick Snyder.
The bipartisan 12-bill package builds on federal law, which makes the practice illegal and punishable by up to five years in prison. The tougher new Michigan laws also extend the statute of limitations for victims and allow the state to permanently revoke the health care license of doctors or other medical professionals who perform the procedure.
"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 in a statement announcing he signed the bills. "This legislation is an important step toward eliminating this despicable practice in Michigan while empowering victims to find healing and justice."