I believe these children, who are the most vulnerable members of our society, are owed far more than our criminal justice system has afforded them. SB 218 expands the range of conduct proscribed by this particular form of first degree murder of children. It also amends current law by adding a new form of first degree murder when the death of a child results from the commission or attempted commission of kidnapping, or of a sexual offense. Additionally, SB 218 expands the list of offenses constituting felony murder to include sexual abuse of minors in the first and second degrees. This legislation also amends current statutes by requiring a 20 year mandatory minimum sentence for a person convicted of a murder of a child under the age of sixteen.
Children deserve a responsible level of care when they are entrusted to an adult.
SB 218 will help accomplish both the goals of deterrence and establishing a punishment fitting the crime. Passage of this bill will correct serious deficiencies in our legal system. I urge your support.