SB 731 - This act creates a nine-member commission to study all aspects of the death penalty as administered in Missouri. The act requires the commission to hold public hearings and review all charges of first or second degree murder or voluntary manslaughter which were filed during or after 1977. Findings and recommendations of the commission shall be reported to the Governor, the Missouri Supreme Court and the General Assembly by January 1, 2005. The commission shall recommend any proposed modifications to Missouri laws necessary to ensure adequacy of trial and appellate legal counsel, accuracy of findings of guilt of the accused, elimination of race disparity in charging and sentencing, fair court procedures and fair and consistent charging and sentence recommendations made by local prosecutors around the state.

The act prohibits executions during the period of review, which period shall be from August 28, 2002, to January 1, 2003.

The act is identical to SB 55 (2001).
SARAH MORROW