SB68 Summary

• Imposes a three-year moratorium on the imposition and execution of the death penalty in Alabama under Article 2 of Chapter 5 of Title 13A.

• Requires implementation of American Bar Association Guidelines for the Appointment and Performance of Defense Counsel in Death Penalty Cases during the moratorium period.

• Mandates due process procedures to preserve and enhance state post-conviction relief in death sentence cases and to prevent execution of mentally retarded persons and those under age 18 at time of offense.

• Requires procedures to eliminate racial discrimination in capital sentencing based on the race of either the victim or the defendant.

• Becomes effective on the first day of the third month following passage and approval by the Governor.