MO HB1415

Amends Section 217.800 relating to gubernatorial clemency powers in capital cases by establishing procedural rights for death row inmates seeking pardon, commutation, or reprieve.

Guarantees death row applicants the right to legal counsel, the ability for counsel to interview prisoners and corrections department employees, and the right to a full board hearing where the applicant can present evidence and testimony.

Requires the pardon board to make recommendations based on 16 specific factors including strength of evidence of guilt, quality of legal representation, race's role in sentencing, mental illness, applicant's age, and other mitigating circumstances.

Mandates the governor issue a written explanation if declining a board recommendation to pardon, commute, or reprieve a death sentence, with both the board's recommendation and governor's order made public records.

Updates pronouns in the statute from "he" to "he or she" and renumbers existing provisions to accommodate new procedural requirements.