MO HB167

Repeals Missouri's death penalty statutes (sections 546.680-546.820 and related provisions) effective August 28, 2011, eliminating capital punishment as a sentencing option.

Changes punishment for murder in the first degree to life imprisonment without eligibility for probation, parole, or release except by act of the governor for all offenses committed after August 28, 2011.

Allows the state to waive the death penalty in murder cases, permitting single-stage trials combining guilt and punishment determination instead of the two-stage capital trials.

Eliminates statutes governing execution procedures, including lethal gas or lethal injection methods, execution warrants, witnesses, and pregnancy-related execution stays.

Maintains life imprisonment as the mandatory sentence for murder in the first degree, including for crimes committed before the bill's effective date where death sentences were previously imposed.