HB 2567
Allowing death penalty for intentionally killing law-enforcement officer or first responder in line of duty
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Sign in to take action- Introduced
- Passed House of Delegates
- Passed Senate
- To Governor
- Became Law
Bill overview
This bill proposes to increase the penalty for murder to the death penalty when the victim is a law-enforcement officer or first responder killed in the line of duty. It establishes specific procedures for sentencing, including aggravating and mitigating circumstances, and mandates a review of the death penalty by the Supreme Court of Appeals. The bill also includes provisions for DNA testing in death penalty cases and outlines methods for execution, such as lethal injection or firing squad. It repeals certain existing laws related to capital punishment and criminal procedure.
Key provisions
- Death penalty authorized for intentionally killing law enforcement officers or first responders in the line of duty.
- Specific aggravating circumstances must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
- Mitigating circumstances must be proven by a preponderance of the evidence.
- Automatic review of the death penalty by the Supreme Court of Appeals.
- Mandatory DNA testing in death penalty cases.
- Allows for execution by lethal injection or firing squad.
- Establishes procedures for the delivery of the sentence of death to retaining custody officers.
- Requires transmission of relevant legal documents to the warden.
Who is affected
- Law enforcement officers
- First responders (e.g., firefighters, paramedics)
- Victim's families
- The State Correctional System
- The Supreme Court of Appeals
Notable changes
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