MO SB945

Repeals section 546.680, RSMo and enacts two new sections (546.680 and 547.380) relating to death penalty procedures for cases involving kidnapping and murder.

Execution warrant must be issued within 30 to 60 days of judgment, with the defendant delivered to a correctional facility within 10 days for cases not involving kidnapping.

For cases where defendant kidnapped victim before causing death, Missouri Supreme Court issues execution warrant after defendant completes direct appeal, postconviction proceedings in state court, and habeas corpus proceedings in federal court, directing execution within 10 days of warrant issuance.

Establishes expedited appellate procedures for death penalty cases involving kidnapping, including restrictions on time extensions (maximum 90 days for primary briefs, no more than two extensions except in extraordinary circumstances).

Appeals in kidnapping-murder cases receive docket priority, oral arguments must occur within six months of final reply brief, and written decisions must be issued within six months of oral argument.