Proposed bill would create tougher penalties for child rapists in TN

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (CLARKSVILLENOW) — Rep. Jason Hodges (D-Clarksville) is co-sponsoring a bill to toughen the penalty for child rape.

Under the proposed legislation, the punishment for a conviction would increase the penalty from 15 to 60 years in prison to life in prison without the possibility of parole.

“There is nothing more important than protecting our innocent children,” Rep. Hodges said. “As a father, I can think of nothing more abhorrent than the rape of a child. I know that Tennesseans agree that the protection of our children is the most important job we have as adults.”

The bill (HB0283) is sponsored by Representative Mary Littleton (R-Dickson) and is scheduled to be heard first in the House Criminal Justice Subcommittee.