MO HB1624

Amends section 217.800, RSMo to establish procedural rights for death row inmates seeking pardon, commutation, or reprieve, including the right to counsel and a full board hearing where the applicant may present evidence.

Requires the pardon board to consider 16 specific factors when making recommendations in capital cases, including strength of evidence of guilt, evidence of aggravating factors, deterrent effect, victim and applicant family impact, and quality of legal representation throughout all judicial proceedings.

Mandates the governor issue a written explanation if rejecting the board's recommendation to pardon, commute, or grant reprieve in a capital case, with both the board's recommendation and governor's order made public records.

Adds gender-neutral language to the statute by replacing "he" with "he or she" throughout the clemency process.

Requires the Department of Corrections to notify the central repository of any clemency action granted by the governor.