MO SB1391

Requires circuit courts to appoint two counsel for indigent defendants immediately upon imposition of a death sentence, rather than waiting until a postconviction motion is filed

Adds new qualification requirements for appointed counsel, including at least 5 years membership in the Missouri Bar and 3 years litigation experience in postconviction law

Prohibits appointed postconviction counsel from having represented the defendant at trial or on direct appeal, expanding the existing conflict restriction

Requires Missouri to comply with federal requirements under 28 U.S.C. Sections 2261 and 2265 and 28 CFR Section 26.22 for death penalty postconviction proceedings

Allows courts to appoint alternative counsel upon a showing of good cause if their background and experience would enable proper representation despite not meeting standard qualifications