MO HB2048

Repeals section 546.680 and enacts sections 546.680 and 547.380 relating to death penalty procedures for defendants who kidnapped victims before causing their deaths.

Requires the Missouri Supreme Court to issue a warrant of execution within 10 days after a defendant completes all direct appeals, postconviction proceedings, and federal habeas corpus proceedings, or allows the time for filing federal habeas corpus to expire, unless the conviction or sentence is invalidated.

Limits extensions of time for filing briefs in such appeals to no more than 90 days for primary briefs, with maximum of two extensions of 30 days each, and requires a full court hearing for any extensions extending beyond 270 days from the initial filing date.

Mandates oral arguments be heard within 6 months of final reply brief filing and requires a written decision within 6 months of oral argument.

Allows the Supreme Court to consider plain errors not briefed by the parties if manifest injustice occurred, but requires notice to parties at least 60 days before oral argument with opportunity to file supplemental briefs limited to 20 pages.