Blunt Calls for Death Penalty Against Child Rapists

Intro: A senate bill making the Death Penalty possible for Child Rapists unexpectedly picked up Speed Monday in Jefferson City.

Reed Erickson reports from the State Capitol.

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OutCue: SOC Despite visits to cities across Missouri, Governor Blunt's call for a bill from lawmakers making Child Rape punishable by death had stalled in the legislature. Neither chamber had passed the bill out of committee until an unexpected vote in the Senate Judiciary committee Monday night. The Committee's chairman Matt Bartle cited questions from a reporter about the Governor's statements as the reason he brought it to a vote.

Despite his support Bartle thinks legislative action should be delayed.

Actuality: RAPECUT2.WAV

Run Time: 00:15

Description: Here is the challenge, right now pending before the supreme court the very issue will be decided. What frequently happens when the U.S. supreme court deals with an issue like this they will pronounce judgement and they will give guidelines to the states.

The legislature has only three weeks left so any delay in action can prove fatal on a bill.

At the State Capitol, I'm Reed Erickson, KMOX News.

Intro: Governor Blunt asked the Legislature Monday to send him a bill that would bring the death penalty for child rapists.

Now the Senate is one step closer. Reed Erickson reports from the State Capitol

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OutCue: SOC

Despite words of support from leaders of the Republican controlled Senate and House, until Monday, neither had passed Child Rape Death Penalty legislation out of committee.

Monday night the Senate Judiciary committee unexpectedly passed the bill.

The Senate language would give prosecutors the option of seeking the death penalty for those convicted of violently raping children under twelve.

Senate Bill sponsor Jack Goodman said he doesn't believe that arguments against the bill hold water.

Judiciary Committee Chair Matt Bartle said getting it to the Governor's desk is unlikely this session.

Actuality: RAPECUT1.WAV

Run Time: 00:20

Description: We'll probably end up with a bill that is scaled back more than it needs to be out of caution for what the supreme court will do. Whereas if we wait we can pass one that fully takes advantage of whatever scope the supreme court would allow.

The U.S. Supreme Court Decision isn't expected for months.

There are just over three weeks remaining this Legislative Session.

At the Capitol, I'm Reed Erickson, KMOX News.