Bill > HB1134

This bill modifies trial procedures for first-degree murder cases in Missouri, establishing a two-stage trial process when the death penalty is not waived. In the first stage, the trier (jury or judge) determines only guilt or innocence, without considering punishment. If the defendant is found guilty of first-degree murder, a second stage focuses solely on sentencing. During this stage, evidence in aggravation and mitigation can be presented, including information about the victim's impact and family. The bill specifies four scenarios where the punishment will be life imprisonment without parole instead of death: if the defendant is found to be intellectually disabled, if no statutory aggravating circumstances are found beyond reasonable doubt, if the jury does not unanimously determine aggravating circumstances outweigh mitigating circumstances, or if the trier decides against the death penalty. The bill also provides a mechanism for defendants sentenced before August 28, 2025, to be resentenced to life imprisonment if their original sentence was determined by a judge after a jury could not unanimously agree. Additionally, the bill includes a detailed definition of intellectual disability and allows parties to potentially resolve the intellectual disability issue before trial with court approval.

https://house.mo.gov/Bill.aspx?bill=HB1134&year=2025&code=R