Tennessee lawmakers pass bill expanding death penalty eligibility in child rape cases

From Local 3 News: UPDATE: The Tennessee General Assembly has approved new legislation aimed at strengthening penalties for child rape cases, sending the measure to the governor’s desk.

House Bill 1454, sponsored by Rep. Greg Martin (R-Hixson), expands the aggravating circumstances under which prosecutors can pursue the death penalty for those convicted of raping a child.

"Two years ago, the Tennessee General Assembly took bold action to protect children across our state. Today, we are doubling down on that commitment by helping ensure that the vile predators who violate the trust and innocence of a child never have a second chance to offend," said Rep. Martin. "This legislation equips prosecutors with the necessary tools to make communities safer and defend the most vulnerable members of our society."

Under the new legislation, prosecutors could seek the death penalty in a wider range of cases, including when the victim is under four years old, the defendant is a registered sex offender, or the crime involves factors such as the use of a weapon, incest, or recording of the abuse.

The measure now heads to Governor Bill Lee for his signature. If signed into law, it will take effect July 1, 2026.



PREVIOUS STORY: Tennessee lawmakers are advancing legislation that would expand the state’s death penalty statute beyond first-degree murder convictions, specifically regarding child rape cases.

Under current law, capital punishment is only considered for those convicted of first-degree murder. However, the proposed bill would allow the death penalty in certain child rape cases involving specific aggravating factors.

Tennessee Rep. Greg Martin says the measure builds on legislation signed into law last year by Governor Bill Lee, and would provide clearer guidance for prosecutors.
“What this bill does is it gives some direction for district attorneys, for prosecutors, to know how to deal with this when it comes to the rape of a child—to deal with the aggravated circumstances,” Martin said.

Those aggravating factors include cases where the defendant is a registered sex offender at the time of the crime, instances of incest, and the rape of a child under the age of four.

As of Tuesday, the bill has been recommended for passage by judiciary committees in both chambers of the Tennessee legislature.