MO HB1870

Creates a 10-member Commission on the Death Penalty appointed by December 1, 2010, with balanced representation from both chambers of the legislature, prosecutors, defense lawyers, the public defender, attorney general, and family members of murder victims and death row inmates.

Establishes a moratorium on all executions from the effective date through January 1, 2013, while allowing all capital case proceedings to continue except that no execution dates may be set during this period.

Requires the commission to conduct comprehensive review and analysis of all death penalty cases since January 1, 1977, examining factors including defendant and victim demographics, evidence quality, attorney experience, appellate procedures, and racial disparities, with findings due to the governor and legislature by January 1, 2013.

Mandates the Office of Administration to produce annual cost reports estimating total state spending on death penalty cases, with savings from any future death penalty abolition directed to a Cold Case Investigation Revolving Fund.

Establishes the Cold Case Investigation Revolving Fund administered by the Department of Public Safety to reimburse law enforcement agencies for costs of reopening investigations into homicides, missing persons, sexual assaults, and child abductions.