AL SB153

Establishes a three-year moratorium on the imposition and execution of the death penalty in Alabama under Article 2 of Chapter 5 of Title 13A of the Code of Alabama 1975.

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 the time of the offense.

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

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