SB16 Summary

• Prohibits trial courts from overriding jury verdicts in capital cases; courts must sentence defendants to death if the jury recommends death and to life imprisonment without parole if the jury does not recommend death.

• Changes jury verdicts in capital sentencing from "advisory" to binding verdicts that the court must follow in determining whether to impose death or life imprisonment without parole.

• Requires courts to conduct separate sentencing hearings after capital offense convictions where juries determine sentences based on aggravating and mitigating circumstances as defined in Alabama Code.

• Maintains jury decision thresholds requiring a majority vote for life imprisonment recommendation and at least 10 jurors for death recommendation; verdicts must be in writing and specify the vote.

• Takes effect immediately upon passage and approval by the Governor or upon otherwise becoming law.