The Senate Appropriations Committee voted 6-4 against the Senate Bill 195 that would have allowed the execution of people who sexually assault children younger than age 13.

The Senate Appropriations Committee voted 6-4 against the Senate Bill 195 that would have allowed the execution of people who sexually assault children younger than age 13. Lawmakers have rejected the bill, which would have cost about $616,000 next year for trials, appeals, public defenders and prison costs.
Democratic Sen. Moe Keller says social workers are worried that family members who rape children could intimidate their victims by saying the abuser would be killed if the victim tells. The sponsor, Republican Sen. Steve Ward, says children are already under pressure not to report sex assaults. He says prosecutors can take into account whether a family wants to seek the death penalty. (see also March 10, 2008)