SB717 Summary

• Creates the Task Force on the Investigation of Capital Punishment in Oklahoma, operating until January 1, 2014, to study whether Oklahoma's death penalty system meets constitutional standards and is administered fairly and without discrimination.

• Directs the task force to examine whether capital punishment serves legitimate penological purposes such as deterrence, analyze sentencing disparities between death penalty and life imprisonment cases, and evaluate whether safer alternatives exist.

• Establishes a moratorium on executions in Oklahoma from the bill's enactment through December 31, 2013, during the task force's study period.

• Comprises 15 members including legislators from both parties, the Attorney General, judges, prosecutors, defense attorneys, law enforcement representatives, victim advocates, and death penalty abolition organization representatives.

• Requires the task force to submit findings and recommendations to the President Pro Tempore, Speaker of the House, and Governor by December 1, 2013.