Sen. Richard Burr (R-N.C.) introduced the Kilah Davenport Child Protection act of 2013 on Monday, which would require the Department of Justice to issue a report on penalties handed down in child abuse cases in each state.
The bill, named after a victim of severe child abuse, mirrors a measure that was approved by the House Judiciary Committee last week.
“What happened to Kilah Davenport is tragic and should never happen to any child,” Burr said. “My heart goes out to the Davenport family, and I hope that this legislation will play at least a small role in ensuring the care and protection of our children.”
In addition to requiring the DOJ to issue reports on punishment for child abuse cases in each state and U.S. territory, the measure would also add another layer of punishment for some individuals who are arrested for domestic abuse after a previous child abuse conviction.
The bill would require the federal government to ensure that habitual domestic assault offenders who have previous child abuse convictions receive additional criminal charges in areas the federal government has responsibility for.
A 3-year-old girl from North Carolina who was abused by her stepfather inspired the legislation. The victim had a portion of her skull removed as a result of the abuse, and her stepfather’s maximum sentence under state law was less than eight years in prison.