Sentencing - As introduced, authorizes the death penalty as a punishment for rape of a child, aggravated rape of a child, or especially aggravated rape of a child. - Amends TCA Title 39; Title 40 and Chapter 1062 of the Public Acts of 2022.

This bill expands the death penalty in Tennessee to include specific child rape offenses, making it a possible punishment for adults convicted of raping a child, aggravated rape of a child, or especially aggravated rape of a child. The legislation also broadens the list of crimes that qualify for the death penalty by adding these child rape charges alongside first-degree murder and grave torture. Additionally, the bill clarifies sentencing guidelines for juveniles involved in these crimes and maintains an exemption from the death penalty for defendants with intellectual disabilities. These changes directly affect how courts determine maximum penalties for severe sexual offenses against minors and modify the criteria for capital punishment across the state.