Orlando Florida. – The bill that seeks the death penalty for those who sexually assault minors has been approved by the Florida Senate and House of Representatives. The measure is heading to Governor Ron DeSantis’ office for approval.
HB 1297 provides death sentences for people 18 or older who sexually assault or attempt to sexually assault a child under 12.
If the prosecutor intends to seek the death penalty, he must notify the defendant and file the notice with the court within 45 days of the arraignment.
The notice must contain a list of aggravating factors that the state claims to prove and that it has reason to believe it can prove beyond a reasonable doubt.