MS HB92

Amends Mississippi Code Section 97-3-65 to authorize the death penalty for statutory rape convictions where the victim is 13 years of age or under and the defendant is 18 years of age or older.

Changes the age threshold in statutory rape law from "under the age of fourteen (14)" to "thirteen (13) years of age or under" for cases involving perpetrators of any age.

Replaces the existing sentence of life imprisonment (with minimum 20 years) with a death sentence for defendants 18 years or older convicted under the modified statutory rape provision for victims 13 or under.

Maintains existing sentencing guidelines for other statutory rape scenarios, including lesser penalties for defendants under 18 years of age and for victims aged 14-15 years.

Takes effect July 1, 2014.