The Mississippi Senate has approved a bill to make life without parole a sentencing option in rape and sexual battery cases involving victims under the age of 12.

The legislation would only apply in cases where the perpetrator was 21 or older. No senator voted against the bill on Wednesday.

Sen. Joey Fillingane, R-Sumrall, said under current law a person can be sentenced to life with the possibility of parole for raping a child.

The bill is Senate Bill 2095.