SB 247 Summary

• Repeals all statutory sections relating to death penalty procedures, including execution methods, warrant issuance, and execution team protocols

• Changes punishment for murder in the first degree from "death or life imprisonment without parole" to "life imprisonment without eligibility for probation or parole, or release except by act of the governor"

• Requires anyone convicted of murder in the first degree and sentenced to death prior to August 28, 2013 to be resentenced to life imprisonment without eligibility for parole or probation

• Removes provisions allowing the state to waive the death penalty and proceed with trial; eliminates two-stage trials for capital cases when death penalty is sought

• Preserves existing statutory aggravating and mitigating circumstances and sentencing framework but eliminates death as a permissible punishment option