NASHVILLE, Tenn. – The Tennessee General Assembly today passed legislation by State Rep. Greg Martin, R-Hixson, 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.
“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 Martin. “This legislation equips prosecutors with the necessary tools to make communities safer and defend the most vulnerable members of our society.”
The Tennessee General Assembly in 2024 passed a 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.
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
- 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
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 proposal now heads to Gov. Bill Lee’s desk to be signed into law. It will take effect July 1.
State Rep. Greg Martin of Hixson represents District 26 in the Tennessee House of Representatives, which includes part of Hamilton County.