Bill > HB2348

This bill modifies jury instructions and procedures for first-degree murder trials, specifically addressing how punishment is determined when the death penalty is a potential sentence. The bill establishes a two-stage trial process where the first stage focuses solely on determining guilt, and the second stage addresses punishment if the defendant is found guilty of first-degree murder. In the second stage, the jury or judge can consider evidence in aggravation and mitigation, and must assess punishment based on specific criteria. The bill allows for life imprisonment without parole if the trier (jury or judge) finds the defendant is intellectually disabled, cannot find statutory aggravating circumstances beyond a reasonable doubt, determines mitigating evidence outweighs aggravating evidence, or decides against the death penalty. The bill also defines "intellectual disability" as a condition involving significant intellectual limitations and adaptive behavior deficits documented before age eighteen. Additionally, the bill provides an option for parties to determine intellectual disability prior to trial with court approval, and specifies that these provisions apply only to offenses committed on or after August 28, 2001.

https://house.mo.gov/Bill.aspx?bill=HB2348&year=2026&code=R