Michigan passed laws Tuesday that would jail people convicted of performing female genital mutilation on girls.

Under the new laws, people found guilty of cutting, circumcising or stitching the genitalia of girls younger than 18, or taking them to other states for the procedure, now face up to 15 years in prison, reports the Detroit News.

“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,” Republican Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder said in a statement. “This legislation is an important step toward eliminating this despicable practice in Michigan while empowering victims to find healing and justice.”

The state can also take away the licenses of doctors who do the procedure. The statue of limitations for the crime has also been extended as part of another law — victims of the crime can pursue charges up to 10 years after the event or until they reach the age of 21.

Performing female genital mutilation already carries a federal prison sentence of up to five years. Lawmakers sent the governor the 12-bill proposal after three Michigan doctors were charged with conspiracy to commit female genital mutilation on girls as young as seven. (RELATED: Detroit Mother Accused Of ‘Aiding’ Female Genital Mutilation)

These state laws will start in October and won’t apply to the current Michigan doctor case. The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services will also start a program to educate the public on the effects of female genital mutilation and what the new laws entail.

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