Bill > HB894

This bill modifies trial procedures for first-degree murder cases by establishing a two-stage trial process when the death penalty is not waived. In the first stage, the jury or trier of fact determines only the defendant's guilt or innocence, without considering punishment. If the defendant is found guilty of first-degree murder, a second stage proceeds to determine sentencing. During this stage, evidence of aggravating and mitigating circumstances can be presented, and the trier will assess punishment. The bill specifies that the defendant shall receive life imprisonment without possibility of parole if: the defendant is found to be intellectually disabled; no statutory aggravating circumstances are proven; mitigating evidence outweighs aggravating evidence; or the trier decides not to impose the death penalty. If a jury cannot unanimously decide on punishment, the court will now automatically sentence the defendant to life imprisonment without parole. The bill also allows parties to address the defendant's intellectual disability before trial by written agreement and provides a specific definition of intellectual disability. Additionally, the bill includes a provision for resentencing defendants whose sentences were previously assessed by a judge after a jury's inability to reach a unanimous decision.

https://house.mo.gov/Bill.aspx?bill=HB894&year=2025&code=R