AN ACT relating to sexual offenses against children.

Amend KRS 510.040, 510.070, and 510.110 to provide that rape in the first degree, sodomy in the first degree, and sexual abuse in the first degree shall be capital offenses when the victim is under 12 years old; amend KRS 532.025 to conform.

Introduced: January 10, 2025

Last action: February 4, 2025

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This bill would make rape, sodomy, and sexual abuse in the first degree capital offenses — meaning they could be punishable by death — when the victim is under 12 years old. Currently, these crimes carry serious penalties but are not classified as capital offenses. The change would apply to some of the most severe child sexual crimes under Kentucky law. Who it may affect: children under 12, their families, and those charged with or convicted of these offenses.

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