Senate Joint Resolution 35, sponsored by Walley, expresses the Tennessee General Assembly's disapproval of the American Law Institute's 2022 amendments to Article 213 of the Model Penal Code concerning Sexual Assault and Related Offenses. The resolution highlights opposition from various organizations, including the U.S. Department of Justice and the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, against these changes, which include provisions that would restrict public access to sex offender registries and allow a "mistake of age" defense for individuals accused of attempting to purchase a child for prostitution.
The resolution emphasizes Tennessee's commitment to justice for victims and the protection of vulnerable populations from sexual predators. It calls for the American Law Institute to revert to principles that prioritize justice in the development of its model penal codes, reflecting the state's stance on maintaining public safety and accountability for sexual offenses.