MS HB521

Amends Mississippi Code Section 97-3-65 to establish the death penalty as a punishment option for statutory rape convictions when the victim is 13 years of age or under and the defendant is 18 years of age or older.

Creates mandatory death penalty sentencing for defendants age 18 or older convicted under the subsection covering victims 13 years of age or under.

Establishes life imprisonment with a minimum of 20 years for defendants age 18 or older convicted of statutory rape with victims 13 or under when certain conditions apply.

Maintains existing statutory rape definitions and defenses, including that victim consent and lack of chastity are not valid defenses.

Takes effect July 1, 2010.