MO SB377

Changes minimum age threshold for capital punishment in first degree murder cases from 16 to 18 years old in Missouri law.

Offenders under 18 at time of crime can receive either life without parole or life with parole eligibility after 50 years served, instead of death penalty or life without parole.

Allows prosecutors to file notice seeking life without parole for defendants under 18, triggering a two-stage trial with separate guilt and sentencing phases.

If prosecutor does not seek life without parole, defendant receives single-stage trial with automatic sentence of life with parole eligibility after 50 years if convicted of first degree murder.

Permits persons previously sentenced to life without parole for crimes committed before age 18 to petition for resentencing within six months of the law's effective date.