Tennessee House Majority Leader William Lamberth has proposed legislation that would make convicted child rapists eligible for the death penalty.

House Bill 1663 proposes changing the existing sentencing guidelines for convicted child rapists from 25 to 40 years in prison to 40 to 60 years. The bill would also authorize the use of the death penalty for such crimes.

“The death penalty is reserved for the worst of the very worst in our society, and there is no other crime more depraved, more sadistic or horrifying than the murder or rape of a child,” said Lamberth. “Someone who preys, stalks and hunts down children is a monster and should be punished as such. This change more adequately reflects our values when it comes to protecting children. It is the right thing to do, and I am hopeful this legislation will have very strong bipartisan support.”

If the bill does not receive bipartisan support, the bill can still be amended to strengthen the penalty for child rape.