SB 158
Patrolman Cassie Marie Johnson Memorial Act
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- Passed Senate
- Passed House of Delegates
- To Governor
- Became Law
Bill overview
This bill, the Patrolman Cassie Marie Johnson Memorial Act, amends West Virginia law regarding the death penalty for first-degree murder. It establishes specific procedures for sentencing, including a review by the Supreme Court of Appeals, DNA testing requirements, and the method of execution (lethal injection). The bill also outlines aggravating and mitigating circumstances considered during sentencing and includes provisions for the disposition of the body after execution. Finally, it repeals certain sections related to the death penalty and establishes a process for reviewing death sentences.
Key provisions
- Establishes procedures for sentencing in first-degree murder cases, including a jury review and a separate sentencing hearing.
- Defines aggravating and mitigating circumstances that can be considered during sentencing.
- Requires forensic DNA testing of biological material in death penalty cases.
- Mandates an automatic review of the death penalty by the Supreme Court of Appeals.
- Specifies the method of execution as lethal injection.
- Outlines the process for delivering the sentence of death to the officer retaining custody of the person.
- Details the transmission of legal documents (indictment, conviction order, sentence, judgment) to the warden.
- Establishes a process for the transfer of the convicted person to a state correctional facility and provides for the presence of certain individuals at the execution.
Who is affected
- Defendants convicted of first-degree murder
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