Death Penalty News

New legislation creates ‘Capitol Sexual Battery’ charge, effective July 1 MISSISSIPPI (WLBT)—Mississippi's most severe criminal punishment now applies to the most severe crimes against children, under a new state law that took effect July 1. Senate Bill 2821 creates a charge called Capitol Sexual Battery, which is punishable by the death penalty. The law applies only to cases occurring on or after July 1. Under the new law, sexual battery against a child under the age of 12 or an attempt to commit such an act that injures the child’s sexual organs, makes a defendant eligible for the death penalty.

Six states have already enacted legislation making child rapists eligible for execution As reports of sex crimes against children continue to rise across the state—including within government schools—Texans are recommending harsher penalties for child sexual predators. Some are ready to consider the harshest penalty for the worst offenders: death. Six states have already enacted laws making child rapists eligible for the death penalty in certain circumstances: Florida, Tennessee, Idaho, Oklahoma, Alabama, and Mississippi.

Mississippi Senate Bill 2821 (2026 Regular Session) creates the new crime of capital sexual battery. It authorizes the death penalty (or life without parole if the death penalty is not imposed) for the most severe cases. The bill was approved by the Governor and takes effect on July 1, 2026. PINE BELT, Miss. (WDAM) - Under current Mississippi law, the death penalty is only applicable in cases of murder. Effective July 1, there will be another capital offense on the books: capital sexual battery.