According to Senate Bill 8-180, increasing penalties for such offenses “could be the most effective deterrent to the occurrence of such.”
The bill stated that a person who abuses a child will be guilty of felony and will be fined not less than $500 and imprisoned for not less than 10 years.
The bill defines “abuse” as an “act that results in harm or threat of harm to the physical or mental health of a child which leads to death, fractures, burns, bleeding, disfigurement, severe bruises, severe emotional and psychological trauma, among other consequences.”
The bill stated that a person convicted of sexually abusing a child will be guilty of felony and subject to imprisonment of not less than 25 years.
“Sexual abuse,” as defined by the bill, is “negligent sex-related activity for the purpose of sexual gratification, pleasure or profit by a person with any child under 18 years old, who is not the spouse of the perpetrator.”
A person who neglects a child will be guilty of misdemeanor and subject to no more than one year imprisonment.
“Neglect” is defined as “failure to provide a child with adequate nutrition, medical care, clothing, shelter, proper supervision or other basic needs causing child’s physical or mental health being threatened and harmed.”
The bill stated that a person guilty of rape will be imprisoned not less than 25 years. Current law imposes a jail term of not more than 25 years.
For sodomy, the bill wants punishment to include a jail term of not less than 25 years. Under current law, sodomy conviction merits a jail term of not more than 10 years.
