MS HB55

Amends Mississippi Code Section 99-19-101 to revise the written findings required for a jury to impose a death sentence in capital murder cases.

Requires the jury to unanimously find in writing that: (1) sufficient factors exist showing the defendant actually killed, attempted to kill, or prior to the homicide intended that a killing take place; (2) sufficient aggravating circumstances exist; and (3) insufficient mitigating circumstances exist to outweigh the aggravating circumstances.

Clarifies that for subsection (7)(c), the defendant must have intended the killing "prior to the homicide" to qualify as a written finding supporting capital punishment.

If the jury fails to make the required written findings or cannot reach a decision after the penalty phase, the court shall impose a sentence of life imprisonment.

Takes effect July 1, 2010.