MO HB1240

Repeals Missouri's death penalty statutes and replaces them with life imprisonment without eligibility for probation, parole, or release except by act of the governor as punishment for murder in the first degree.

Eliminates all procedural sections related to death penalty administration, including execution methods, warrants, witnesses, and pregnancy stays.

Requires that any person convicted of murder in the first degree and sentenced to death prior to August 28, 2014, be resentenced to life imprisonment without parole.

Modifies trial procedures for murder in the first degree by removing the two-stage trial process that was required when the death penalty was an option, allowing single-stage trials.

Maintains aggravating and mitigating circumstances that were previously used in capital sentencing proceedings, though they would no longer determine death versus life sentences.