Bill > SB225

This bill modifies jury instructions and procedural requirements for first-degree murder trials, particularly in cases where the death penalty may be considered. The bill establishes a two-stage trial process when murder in the first degree is charged without waiving the death penalty. In the first stage, the jury determines guilt or innocence without considering punishment. If the defendant is found guilty of first-degree murder, a second stage focuses solely on sentencing. The bill provides specific criteria for when a jury must assess punishment as life imprisonment without parole, including cases involving intellectual disability, lack of statutory aggravating circumstances, significant mitigating evidence, or jury discretion. The bill defines "intellectual disability" as a condition involving substantial limitations in general functioning, characterized by significantly subaverage intellectual functioning and deficits in adaptive behaviors, documented before age eighteen. The legislation also allows parties to potentially resolve the intellectual disability issue before trial with court approval. These provisions apply to offenses committed on or after August 28, 2001, and aim to provide a more nuanced and structured approach to sentencing in first-degree murder cases.

Justice

https://www.senate.mo.gov/25info/BTS_Web/Bill.aspx?SessionType=R&BillID=440