Bill > HR1556

This bill, known as Eric's Law, amends the United States Code to change the process for jury sentencing in death penalty cases. Specifically, if a jury cannot unanimously agree on a sentence recommendation for a capital crime (a crime punishable by death), the court must impanel a new jury to reconsider the sentencing. If this second jury also fails to reach a unanimous recommendation, the court will be required to impose a sentence other than death that is authorized by law. The bill modifies Section 3593 of Title 18, which governs the procedures for death penalty sentencing hearings. This change aims to ensure that a death sentence can only be recommended if all jury members are in complete agreement, potentially making capital punishment more difficult to impose by requiring strict unanimity. The bill provides an additional procedural safeguard in capital punishment cases by mandating a new jury hearing if the initial jury cannot reach a unanimous decision.

Justice

https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/1556/all-info