Burchett Continues to Advance Legislation to Target Sexual Predators 

Nashville, Tenn. – State Sen. Tim Burchett (R-Knoxville) is continuing to advance legislation that will strengthen Tennessee’s laws against sexual predators. Senate Bill 192 targets possession and production of child pornography. 

“The root of the evil of child pornography is child molestation,” said Burchett. “It has been proven over and over again that child pornography and child molestation are directly connected.”

The bill as amended will add three additional offenses to the list of crimes that are ineligible for probation or judicial diversion.  If an individual is found guilty or pleads guilty to sexual exploitation of a minor, aggravated sexual exploitation of a minor or especially aggravated exploitation of a minor, that individual would be required to serve 100 percent of the sentence.   

“We are going to make Tennessee a safe haven for children,” continued Burchett.  “Sexual predators in Tennessee need to be behind bars, and they need to stay there.”

The bill unanimously passed the Senate Judiciary Committee Tuesday. It will now go to the Senate Finance, Ways and Means Committee before going to the Senate floor for action by the full Senate. 

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