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Read. Follow. Verify.Missouri House Bill 2141 Modifies Trial Procedures and Sentencing Rules for First-Degree Murder Cases
Last action · May 15, 2026: Referred: Emerging Issues(H)Sponsor: Michael Davis
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What This Bill Would Do
House Bill 2141 modifies trial procedures and sentencing rules for first-degree murder cases, including provisions for two-stage trials when the death penalty is not waived, standards for assessing life imprisonment without parole versus the death penalty, and rules for pre-trial determination of intellectual disability.
The measure alters how evidence is presented during the penalty phase of capital trials and updates the legal standards under which a jury or judge must impose life imprisonment without parole instead of the death penalty.
Who It Would Affect
Groups the bill's text would affect if enacted, as described in the record. Being affected is not a position for or against it.
criminal defendants facing first-degree murder charges
Defendants are subject to revised two-stage trial procedures, evidentiary rules during the penalty phase, and pre-trial options regarding intellectual disability determinations.
prosecuting attorneys
Prosecutors must follow updated guidelines for presenting evidence in aggravation and conducting argument during the sentencing phase of first-degree murder trials.
Key Facts
- Where the death penalty is not waived in a first-degree murder trial, the trial proceeds in two distinct stages before the same trier.
- The trier assesses and declares punishment at life imprisonment without eligibility for probation, parole, or release except by act of the governor under specific statutory conditions, including if the trier finds the defendant intellectually disabled by a preponderance of the evidence.
- Evidence in aggravation and mitigation of punishment may be presented at the second stage, including evidence concerning the murder victim and the impact of the offense upon the victim's family.
- Upon written agreement of the parties and with leave of the court, the issue of the defendant's intellectual disability may be addressed and decided prior to trial.
Show all 6 facts
- The bill defines 'intellectual disability' or 'intellectually disabled' as a condition involving substantial limitations in general functioning manifested and documented before eighteen years of age.
- The provisions of the bill govern offenses committed on or after August 28, 2001.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if a jury in a first-degree murder trial cannot agree on the punishment?
Can the issue of a defendant's intellectual disability be determined before trial?
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Votes, people, money & the original sourceWhere This Stands
Currently in committee. The next step in the legislative lifecycle is Floor Vote.
Procedural history
4 actions- May 15, 2026HouseCommitteeReferred: Emerging Issues(H)
- Jan 8, 2026HouseFloorRead Second Time (H)
- Jan 7, 2026HouseIntroducedRead First Time (H)
- Dec 3, 2025HouseIntroducedPrefiled (H)
Version history
Only one version on file - nothing to compare yet. As later stages (committee substitute, engrossed, enrolled) are captured, the redline appears here.
View official text →Lobbying Activity
No state lobbying filings in our records match this bill. Federal lobbying reports (LDA) cover Congress, so they are not listed on state bills.
Full breakdown
Who this bill affects and the strongest case for and against it, written only from the bill’s own text.
Sponsors
Connected Entities
Sources
house.mo.gov
Analysis Score
0–100- Significance65How much this matters to a regular citizen
- Controversy50Intensity of disagreement among stakeholders
- Entertainment10Compellingness for a non-policy-wonk reader
- Buzz25Current news / social attention level
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