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HB 1535

STATE GOVERNMENT-TECH

104th Regular Session Introduced by Marcus Evans

House Bill 1535 aimed to enhance penalties for child rape offenders under 12, allowing chemical castration as treatment, but it died in committee without further action.

Referred to Rules Committee
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Bill Summary · HB 1535

Summary of House Bill 1535

Bill Overview

Bill Number: HB 1535
Title: To Provide an Enhanced Sentence for Persons Convicted of Rape of a Child Twelve Years of Age or Younger; To Permit the Department of Corrections to Administer Medroxyprogesterone Acetate Treatment for Chemical Castration.
Status: Died in House Committee at Sine Die adjournment
Introduced: February 19, 2025

Purpose and Intent

House Bill 1535 aimed to enhance penalties for individuals convicted of raping a child aged twelve years or younger. The bill proposed the use of chemical castration as a treatment option for these offenders, specifically through the administration of medroxyprogesterone acetate by the Department of Corrections.

Key Provisions

  1. Enhanced Sentencing:

    • Offenders convicted of child rape (defined under § 5-14-103) would face an enhanced sentence that includes chemical castration.
    • The chemical castration treatment would be administered by a licensed physician within the Department of Corrections.

  2. Court Orders and Medical Evaluation:

    • A court order for chemical castration would require a determination by a medical expert that the offender is a suitable candidate for the treatment.
    • This evaluation must occur within 60 days of sentencing.

  3. Treatment Administration:

    • The Department of Corrections is responsible for administering and monitoring the treatment.
    • Treatment should begin no later than one week before the offender's release from prison or confinement.

  4. Alternative to Chemical Castration:

    • Offenders could opt for physical castration instead of chemical treatment, provided they submit a written motion consenting to this alternative.

  5. Penalties for Non-compliance:

    • Offenders who fail to appear for or refuse the treatment would be guilty of a Class Y felony.

Impact

  • Affected Individuals: The bill primarily targets individuals convicted of raping children aged twelve or younger, potentially impacting their sentencing and treatment options.
  • Department of Corrections: The bill would have required the Department to implement new protocols for administering chemical castration, including medical evaluations and monitoring.

Legislative Timeline

  • February 19, 2025: Bill filed.
  • February 20, 2025: Read for the first time, rules suspended, and referred to the House Judiciary Committee.
  • March 10, 2025:
    • Placed on second reading for amendment.
    • Amendment No. 1 adopted and the bill ordered engrossed.
  • May 5, 2025: Bill died in House Committee at Sine Die adjournment.

Conclusion

House Bill 1535 sought to address severe crimes against children by imposing stricter penalties and introducing chemical castration as a treatment option for offenders. Despite its introduction and subsequent amendments, the bill did not progress beyond the committee stage.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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