MO HB2153

Repeals Missouri's death penalty, replacing it with life imprisonment without eligibility for probation, parole, or release except by act of the governor as the maximum punishment for first-degree murder

Eliminates 20 statutory sections governing death penalty procedures, including execution methods (lethal gas or lethal injection), death warrants, execution witnesses, and execution team confidentiality protections

Removes the two-stage trial process for capital cases where juries would first determine guilt and then decide between death and life imprisonment based on aggravating and mitigating circumstances

Preserves existing death sentences that have been imposed but not yet executed, specifying such sentences "shall not be modified unless otherwise provided by law"

Applies to defendants 18 years or older at the time of the offense; offenders under 18 remain subject to sentencing under section 565.033