Bill > HB2141

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 trier (judge or jury) determines only the defendant's guilt or innocence, without considering punishment. If the defendant is found guilty of first-degree murder, a second stage occurs focusing exclusively on sentencing. During this stage, both aggravating and mitigating evidence can be presented, including information about the victim's impact on their family. The trier must assess punishment as life imprisonment without potential release if they find: (1) the defendant is intellectually disabled, (2) no statutory aggravating circumstances exist, (3) mitigating evidence outweighs aggravating evidence, or (4) they choose not to impose the death penalty. If the death penalty is pursued, the trier must specifically document the aggravating circumstances found. The bill also allows parties to separately address the defendant's intellectual disability before trial, defining it as a condition involving significant intellectual and adaptive functioning limitations documented before age eighteen. These procedures apply only to offenses committed on or after August 28, 2001.

https://house.mo.gov/Bill.aspx?bill=HB2141&year=2026&code=R