SB 280 Summary

• Replaces the "capital felony" classification with "murder with special circumstances" for murders committed on or after the bill's effective date, while preserving capital felony status for prior crimes

• Establishes life imprisonment without possibility of release as the mandatory sentence for murder with special circumstances, while allowing death penalty to remain available only for capital felonies committed before the effective date

• Creates special housing and supervision requirements for inmates convicted of murder with special circumstances or serving sentences reduced from capital felony convictions, including administrative segregation, escorted movement, and limited recreational time

• Updates numerous statutes to distinguish between "capital felonies" committed before the effective date and "murder with special circumstances" crimes committed after, affecting parole eligibility, sentencing procedures, jury selection, and prosecutorial authority

• Requires annual reporting to the General Assembly on inmates classified under the new special circumstances high security status