Legislation would provide prosecutors with necessary tools to protect children, support victims NASHVILLE, Tenn. – State Rep. Greg Martin, R-Hixson, has introduced legislation to give prosecutors additional tools to hold convicted child rapists accountable in Tennessee. House Bill 1454 strengthens existing law by expanding the aggravating circumstances under which prosecutors may pursue the death penalty […]
Legislation would provide prosecutors with necessary tools to protect children, support victims
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – State Rep. Greg Martin, R-Hixson, has introduced legislation to give prosecutors additional tools to hold convicted child rapists accountable in Tennessee.
House Bill 1454 strengthens existing law by expanding the aggravating circumstances under which prosecutors may pursue the death penalty for the rape of a child.
“Any adult capable of violently and heinously violating the trust, innocence and well-being of a child deserves the maximum lawful penalty,” said Martin. “The death penalty ensures these morally depraved individuals can never reoffend. Protecting children is a top priority for Tennessee Republicans, and this legislation builds on our efforts by further empowering prosecutors, safeguarding the most vulnerable members of our society and improving public safety.”
The Tennessee General Assembly in 2024 passed a new law allowing juries to consider the death penalty as an option for someone convicted of rape of a child under 12. Sponsored by House Majority Leader William Lamberth, R-Portland, the measure increased the penalty for rape or aggravated rape of a child to a Class A felony Range III offense, which carries a 40–60-year prison sentence.
“Last year, Tennessee made it absolutely clear that anyone who rapes a child in our state will face the toughest penalty allowed by law. This legislation strengthens that commitment by giving prosecutors additional pathways to seek the death penalty against the most vile and dangerous of predators,” Lamberth said. “All children deserve to grow up safe and we will continue to use every tool available to protect them. I appreciate Rep. Martin’s leadership on this critical issue and I’m proud to stand with him as we work to keep these monsters out of our communities.”
The proposal would allow prosecutors to pursue the death penalty under the following aggravating circumstances:
- Aggravated rape of a child under four years old
- Defendant holds a position of trust over a victim
- Defendant is a registered sex offender at the time of the offense
- Defendant knows a victim was mentally or physically defective or helpless
- Incest
- Previous felony or misdemeanor conviction for an offense involving sexual contact with a minor
- Especially aggravated kidnapping
- Filming or recording video or photographs of the offense
- Sedating victims with intoxicants, controlled substances
- Use of a deadly weapon in the commission of the offense
- Especially heinous, atrocious or cruel actions or torturing a victim
- Remuneration to a victim or another person for access to or to silence a victim
- An additional conviction for rape of a child, aggravated rape of a child, aggravated sexual battery, or continuous sexual abuse of a child
“This legislation allows us to pursue the ultimate punishment for the worst offenders,” said Hamilton County District Attorney General Coty Wamp. “Those offenders who prey on children and are found guilty of raping a child should be put on notice — we now have a clear avenue to seek the death penalty. I am grateful to the sponsors of this bill who have shown a commitment to protecting children in the most serious way.”
House Bill 1454 builds on the General Assembly’s efforts to improve public safety, reduce recidivism rates and hold criminals accountable through smart-on-crime justice reforms.
The second session of the 114th General Assembly is scheduled to convene at noon on Jan. 13.
State Rep. Greg Martin represents District 26 in the Tennessee General Assembly, which includes part of Hamilton County.