MS HB1316

Amends Mississippi Code Section 97-3-65 to add the death penalty as a sentencing option 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 for the most serious statutory rape category from under 14 years to 13 years of age or under.

Replaces the previous sentence of life imprisonment (with minimum 20 years) with capital punishment for defendants 18 or older convicted under the revised provision for victims 13 or under.

Maintains existing sentencing provisions for other statutory rape convictions, including lesser sentences for defendants aged 18-20 and discretionary sentencing for defendants under 18.

Takes effect July 1, 2015.