MO HB1951

State auditor must conduct a one-time report comparing costs of death penalty cases to life-without-parole cases filed on or after January 1, 1990, examining at least 10 cases in each category.

Report must analyze direct and indirect costs borne by county and state governments in prosecution and defense, including costs for cases where death sentence was sought but not imposed.

Auditor shall examine costs including attorney general staff, corrections department expenses, prosecuting attorney salaries and expenses, public defender system costs, and judicial system expenses.

Auditor must use scientific random sampling methods to select comparable non-death penalty cases for analysis.

Report must be submitted to the governor, general assembly members, and Missouri Supreme Court by June 30, 2016.