HB 542 -- Death Penalty Commission

Co-Sponsors:  Campbell, Lowe, Walton, Jones, Hubbard, Riback
Wilson (25), Curls, Hilgemann, Villa, Fraser, Wilson (42),
Brooks, Walker, Muckler

This bill places a moratorium on executions until January 1,
2005, and creates a death penalty commission to examine the death
penalty process.  The commission will be organized within the
Department of Corrections and will consist of nine members:  the
Director of the Public Defender Commission; the Attorney General;
two representatives, one from each party, appointed by the
Speaker of the House of Representatives; two senators, one from
each party, appointed by the President Pro Tem of the Senate; and
three citizens of the state, appointed by the Governor.  The
commission will hire an executive director, hold hearings, and
issue recommendations to the General Assembly, Governor, and
Supreme Court by January 1, 2005.  The commission will study all
aspects of the death penalty as administered by the state,
including any data concerning race, gender, age, religious
preference, or economic status.  The commission will also
examine:

(1)  The cost of implementing the death penalty;

(2)  The training and experience of both prosecuting and defense
attorneys;

(3)  The procedures in the post-conviction relief phase;

(4)  The appellate process;

(5)  Whether there is consistency among prosecutors throughout
the state in their decision-making process in seeking the death
penalty;

(6)  The policies and procedures used in other jurisdictions; and

(7)  The recommendations of national associations regarding
administration of the death penalty.

Missouri House of Representatives
Last Updated July 25, 2003 at 10:12 am