Bill > H1676

This bill proposes to create a new law that significantly increases the penalties for individuals who commit rape of a child by force and have a prior conviction for certain sex offenses. Specifically, if someone has previously been convicted of or adjudicated delinquent or as a youthful offender for offenses such as indecent assault and battery on a child, aggravated indecent assault and battery on a child, assault with intent to commit rape, rape of a child with force, aggravated rape of a child, or rape, and then subsequently commits rape of a child under 14 by force or threat, they will face a mandatory sentence of life imprisonment. This life sentence cannot be reduced or suspended, and the individual will not be eligible for probation, parole, work release, furlough, or good conduct deductions. The bill also outlines how prior convictions can be proven in court, allowing for the introduction of certified copies of court records or probation department information as prima facie evidence of a prior conviction, without requiring additional corroborating evidence or live witnesses after guilt for the current offense is established.