Bill · H.R. 7702· House(119-HR-7702)
Death Penalty for Child Rapists Act
- Introduced
- 2/25/2026
- Last activity
- 2/25/2026 — Referred to the Committee on the Judiciary, and in addition to the Committee on Armed Services, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
- Sponsored by
- Nancy Mace
- Cosponsors
- - 1 - 0
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
The "Death Penalty for Child Rapists Act" seeks to amend title 18 of the United States Code. It aims to authorize capital punishment for specific sexual abuse offenses against children. The bill modifies the sentencing guidelines for aggravated sexual abuse, sexual abuse of a minor, and abusive sexual contact. Additionally, it amends title 10 regarding the Uniform Code of Military Justice. This change would allow for the death penalty for the offense of rape of a child under military law.
Yes
Does this give the federal government more power?+5
The bill increases federal authority by expanding the list of offenses eligible for the death penalty under title 18.
Would children be better off under this?+3
The bill aims to deter child sexual abuse through much harsher penalties.
The opposite
Does this shorten or soften prison sentences?-5
The bill increases the severity of criminal sentences by introducing the death penalty for certain offenses.
Does this protect the right to fair treatment by the courts?-3
The introduction of capital punishment can be seen as a more significant threat to due process rights.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
-
Increased Penalties for Sexual Abuse Offenses: Under Section 2, the bill changes the punishment for aggravated sexual abuse, sexual abuse of a minor, and abusive sexual contact to include the possibility of the death penalty. This provides a more severe sentencing option for these offenses.
-
Military Justice Adjustments: Section 3 amends the Uniform Code of Military Justice to allow for the death penalty for the offense of rape of a child, providing a more severe punishment option within the military justice system.
Potential Negative Impacts for People
-
Increased Use of Capital Punishment: As noted in Section 2, the bill introduces the death penalty as a potential punishment for various sexual abuse offenses against children, including aggravated sexual abuse, sexual abuse of a minor, and abusive sexual contact.
-
Military Sentence Changes: Under Section 3, the bill introduces the possibility of the death penalty for the offense of rape of a child within the military justice system.
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Social Issues And Justice
- Improves Criminal Sentencing Reform-5
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For Children+3
- Governance And Ideology
- Increases Federal Power+5Improves Due Process-3
- 3/2/2026
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 2/25/2026
- Referred to the Committee on the Judiciary, and in addition to the Committee on Armed Services, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
- Introduced in House
Randy FineRepublican · Florida