HB 4189 - Death Penalty Summary

• Eliminates the death penalty as a sentencing option; persons convicted of capital felonies shall be punished by life imprisonment without parole instead

• Repeals all statutes governing capital punishment procedures including death warrant issuance, execution methods, jury selection in capital cases, and mental competency determinations for execution

• Repeals the Capital Collateral Regional Counsel offices and removes public defender representation requirements for death penalty appeals

• Removes provisions allowing courts to impose death sentences if a prior death sentence is declared unconstitutional; replaces with automatic life sentences

• Removes public records exemptions protecting the identity of executioners and confidential information in capital collateral proceedings; effective July 1, 2011