Bill > HB1115

This bill modifies legal procedures for first-degree murder trials and establishes a comprehensive automated criminal record expungement system. For murder trials, the bill creates a two-stage process where the first stage determines guilt, and if the defendant is found guilty of first-degree murder, a second stage determines punishment. The punishment stage allows for presenting evidence in aggravation and mitigation, with specific conditions for when a life sentence without parole is mandated instead of the death penalty, such as if the defendant is intellectually disabled or if the aggravating circumstances do not unanimously outweigh mitigating circumstances. The bill also introduces an automated expungement system beginning in 2028 that will automatically clear certain criminal records after specific time periods, depending on the offense type and the individual's subsequent criminal history. The expungement system applies to misdemeanors and some felonies, with limitations on the number of offenses that can be expunged in a person's lifetime. Additionally, the bill creates a Missouri Expungement Fund to support the implementation of these new record-clearing processes, and establishes reporting requirements and protections for individuals whose records are expunged.

https://house.mo.gov/Bill.aspx?bill=HB1115&year=2025&code=R