Bill > H906

This bill proposes to reinstate capital punishment in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. The key provisions include: 1. Specifying that the indictment must allege the presence of aggravating circumstances for a case to be eligible for the death penalty, with those aggravating circumstances detailed in the bill. 2. Establishing a new sentencing phase for capital cases where the jury will hear evidence in aggravation and mitigation before determining whether to impose the death penalty or life imprisonment. 3. Providing for the appointment of qualified, state-funded counsel to represent indigent defendants facing capital charges or seeking appeals/reviews. 4. Creating an Independent Scientific Review process to ensure a thorough examination of all forensic evidence used in capital cases. 5. Outlining the procedures for the Supreme Judicial Court's mandatory review of any death sentences, including the authority to reverse or remand the sentence. Overall, the bill aims to reinstate the death penalty in Massachusetts while implementing various safeguards and procedures to govern the capital punishment process.

Justice

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/190/H906