Proposed Law Expands Child Rape Penalties
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – A Tennessee lawmaker has introduced legislation related to the death penalty for the rape of a child.
Republican State Representative Greg Martin of Hixson filed House Bill 1454 in the Tennessee General Assembly.
The bill would expand the aggravating circumstances under which prosecutors may seek the death penalty for the rape of a child.
House Bill 1454 builds on a law passed by the Tennessee General Assembly in 2024.
That law allows juries to consider the death penalty as a sentencing option for individuals convicted of raping a child under the age of 12.
The 2024 law increased the penalty for rape or aggravated rape of a child to a Class A felony Range III offense, which carries a sentence of 40 to 60 years in prison.
The legislation was sponsored by House Majority Leader William Lamberth.
House Bill 1454 lists multiple aggravating circumstances, including prior convictions involving sexual contact with a minor, abuse of a position of trust, incest, use of a deadly weapon, recording the offense, sedating a victim, and actions described as especially heinous, atrocious, or cruel.
Hamilton County District Attorney General Coty Wamp has expressed support for the legislation.
House Bill 1454 is under consideration during the current legislative session.
Representative Martin represents District 26, which includes part of Hamilton County.
