MO HB358

Creates a 10-member Commission on the Death Penalty within the office of administration, appointed by December 1, 2013, with balanced representation from legislature, prosecutors, defense attorneys, and victim/death row family members.

Imposes a moratorium on all executions from the effective date through January 1, 2016, while allowing capital case proceedings to continue without setting execution dates during this period.

Requires the commission to conduct comprehensive analysis of death penalty cases filed since January 1, 1977, examining defendant/victim demographics, counsel quality, evidence, costs, and potential racial disparities in sentencing.

Mandates the commission report findings and recommendations to the governor, legislature, and Missouri Supreme Court by January 1, 2016, including proposals to ensure guilt, adequate defense counsel, fair appellate procedures, and uniform prosecutorial criteria.

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 using money saved from death penalty abolition.