AR HB2103

Eliminates the death penalty as a sentencing option for capital offenses in Arkansas, replacing it with life imprisonment or life imprisonment without parole.

Changes capital murder penalties for defendants 18 years or older to life imprisonment or life imprisonment without parole (previously included death penalty option).

Changes capital murder penalties for defendants under 18 years old to life imprisonment without parole or life imprisonment with parole eligibility after 28 years (previously prohibited death penalty for minors).

Modifies treason penalties to allow life imprisonment or life imprisonment without parole instead of death penalty.

Legislative findings document concerns about death penalty including wrongful convictions, racial disparities in application, higher costs compared to life sentences, mental health issues among death row inmates, and lack of deterrent effect on crime.