Tennessee legislators are moving forward with a proposal to amend the state’s death penalty statute to include offenses beyond first-degree murder convictions, particularly in cases of child rape.

Currently, Tennessee law limits capital punishment to individuals convicted of first-degree murder. The proposed bill seeks to extend eligibility for the death penalty to certain child rape cases that involve specific aggravating circumstances.

According to Representative Greg Martin, the initiative builds upon legislation signed last year by Governor Bill Lee and aims to provide more comprehensive guidance for prosecutors. “This bill offers direction for district attorneys and prosecutors handling aggravated child rape cases,” stated Martin, referencing the need for clarity regarding such severe circumstances.

The aggravating factors identified in the bill include situations where the defendant is a registered sex offender at the time of the offense, incidents involving incest, and cases where the victim is under the age of four.

As of Tuesday, judiciary committees in both chambers of the Tennessee legislature have recommended the bill for passage.