NY S06846

Adds a third sentencing option for murder in the first degree convictions: imprisonment for a term with a minimum of 20-25 years and a maximum of life, in addition to death penalty and life without parole options.

Removes the requirement that juries reach unanimous agreement on any specific sentence; instead requires only unanimity on whichever sentence is imposed.

If a jury fails to reach unanimous agreement on a sentence, the court must impose life imprisonment without parole (rather than the previous 20-25 year minimum sentence with life maximum).

Allows juries to consider three distinct sentencing options during deliberation: death penalty, life without parole, or the intermediate 20-25 year minimum term with life maximum.

Takes effect immediately and applies retroactively to crimes committed before, on, or after the law's effective date.