SB 896: Death Penalty

• Eliminates capital punishment in Florida by changing the sentence for capital felonies from death to life imprisonment without parole eligibility.

• Repeals 16 sections of Florida Statutes relating to capital collateral representation, representation in death penalty cases, juror procedures, mental retardation prohibitions, and sentencing procedures for capital crimes.

• Repeals sections governing execution procedures including warrant issuance, stay of execution, execution methods, and postconviction proceedings in death penalty cases.

• Removes provisions for DNA evidence preservation specific to death penalty cases and deletes the public records exemption protecting the identity of executioners.

• Effective date: July 1, 2014.