To enhance penalties for sex crimes against children. The bill adds time to the standard sentence ranges in criminal cases involving sex crimes against children.   Official Text and Analysis.

But the bill did not pass the House by the cutoff date so it is a “dead bill” and will not be considered further.

To increase presumptive sentencing ranges for first and second degree rape of a child. The substitute changes the presumptive term of confinement for offenders sentenced under the special sex offender sentencing alternative from 0 to 6 months to the lesser of 12 months or the maximum of the standard. The substitute passed on March 1, 2004.

To eliminate the increases to the seriousness levels of rape in the first degree and rape in the second degree. Makes changes to SSOSA that apply only to offenders convicted of rape of a child in the third degree, child molestation in the second and third degrees, and sexual misconduct with a minor in the first degree. Adds to the existing SSOSA eligibility requirements. The amendment also makes appropriations to the Department of Corrections and the Department of Community, Trade, and Economic Development for distribution to sexual assault victims' programs.

To insert intent language. The amendment increases the seriousness levels of rape of a child in the first degree and rape of a child in the second degree.

To require, when a SSOSA is granted, the prosecutor to submit a detailed written statement for public release stating whether he or she agreed or disagreed with the imposition of the SSOSA sentence and the reasons for his or her agreement or disagreement.

Enhancing penalties for sex crimes against children.

To reenact without amending both the seriousness levels and the determinate-plus sentencing provisions, adds affirmative conditions to the crime-related provisions related to precursor activities and behaviors and clarifies that they are to be imposed, to the extent known, at the time of sentencing, and may be modified at annual reviews.

The House concurred with the Senate amendments.

Regarding enhancing penalties for sex crimes against children.