Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote on a motion to table a bill that abolishes the death penalty.

Highlights:

-Reclassifies crimes considered to be "capital murder" as "first degree murder" crimes which carry sentence of life in prison without parole (Sec. 1). -Repeals the death penalty and eliminates the distinction of capital murder (Sec. 14).

Full Bill Text

Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that eliminates the death penalty as a possible sentence for those convicted of first degree murder, and requires the offender be sentenced to life imprisonment without the possibility of parole if specific aggravated circumstances exist beginning January 1, 2010.

Highlights:

- Specifies that a defendant shall be sentenced to life imprisonment without the possibility of parole if they are convicted of first degree murder and one or more of the following aggravated circumstances exist, which previously warranted a possible death sentence (Sec. 1):

- The victim was a law enforcement officer or judicial officer acting in the line of duty or when the death is caused as a consequence of or in retaliation for such person's actions in the line of duty; - The crime was committed before, after, while engaged in the commission of, or while attempting to commit kidnapping; - The crime was committed before, after, while engaged in the commission of, or while attempting to commit aggravated felonious sexual assault; - The crime was committed before, after, while engaged in the commission of, or while attempting to commit the manufacturing, selling, prescribing, administering, transporting, or possessing with intent to sell, dispense, or compound specific controlled substances (318-B:26 I(a) or (b)); or - The crime was committed for hire.

Full Bill Text