GOP Senator Changes Child Rape Law After Relative Accused of Sex With 13-year-old

Of course, he said his actions were not influenced by the crime of his relative

> Prior to the bill passing, the 18-year-old could have faced a charge of child rape, a first-degree felony that would have required them to register as a sex offender, along with a prison sentence ranging anywhere from six years to life in jail.

>However, the bill allowed a clause that lets 17-year-olds receive a less serious third-degree charge of unlawful sexual activity to be extended to 18-year-olds, provided they were still in high school

>“Some have suggested this change was made to benefit the case I was made aware of involving the high school senior. That is simply not true,” he said. “While the sponsor of [the bill] was aware of the case, I did not request the legislation and did not intervene or give input on the drafting of the bill.”