A Republican lawmaker in Tennessee is pushing legislation that would make criminals convicted of child rape be eligible to receive the death penalty.
HB1663 was filed for introduction into the Tennessee General Assembly on Monday, and it proposes various changes to existing policy relating to individuals convicted of child rape, including sentencing guidelines and the possibility of the death penalty.
Pushed by House Majority Leader William Lamberth, convicted child rapists would see sentences rise from 25 to 40 years in prison to 40 to 60 years if the bill becomes law, according to a report.
“The death penalty is reserved for the worst of the very worst in our society, and there is no other crime more depraved, more sadistic or horrifying than the murder or rape of a child,” Lamberth said in the release.
“Someone who preys, stalks and hunts down children is a monster and should be punished as such,” he continued. “This change more adequately reflects our values when it comes to protecting children. It is the right thing to do, and I am hopeful this legislation will have very strong bipartisan support.”
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Even if HB1663 does not garner bipartisan support, it could still be changed to bolster the penalty for child rape in the state, the report noted.
The second session of the state General Assembly begins Tuesday, and HB1663 is recognized as the latest in a string of recent efforts to both support public safety and decrease recidivism rates.
