SB18 Summary

• Prohibits trial courts from overriding a jury's verdict in capital cases; courts must follow the jury's sentencing recommendation.

• Changes jury verdicts from "advisory" to binding verdicts in capital sentencing hearings where the jury determines whether a defendant receives life imprisonment without parole or death.

• Requires a majority vote of jurors to recommend life imprisonment without parole and at least 10 jurors to recommend death, with verdicts specified in writing.

• Maintains the jury's role in recommending sentences based on aggravating and mitigating circumstances while binding the court to accept the jury's final determination.

• Becomes effective immediately upon passage and approval by the Governor.