Bill > SB601

This bill establishes the Death Penalty Moratorium Act, which implements a temporary stay on all death penalty executions in Oklahoma until June 1, 2027. The bill prohibits the Court of Criminal Appeals from setting or executing any death penalty sentences during this period, vacates all current execution dates, and suspends related death penalty statutes. Simultaneously, the bill creates a Death Penalty Reform Task Force composed of five members appointed by key legislative and executive leaders, including representatives from the Senate, House of Representatives, and the Governor's office. The task force's primary responsibility is to review and report on the implementation of recommendations from the 2017 Oklahoma Death Penalty Review Commission, with a focus on examining reforms to the state's death penalty system. Task force members will serve without compensation, and the Attorney General's office will provide administrative support. The task force is required to submit an electronic report of its findings by November 30, 2026, to the Senate President Pro Tempore, House Speaker, and Governor. Importantly, the bill does not prohibit future death penalty prosecutions and does not invalidate existing death penalty judgments. The legislation is declared an emergency measure, meaning it will take effect immediately upon passage and approval.

Justice

http://www.oklegislature.gov/BillInfo.aspx?Bill=sb601&Session=2600