---
title: '2020 Legislation'
description: '2020 - Proposed legislation States with bills to abolish death penalty indicated with * State Description Status Dates of 2020 legislature^ Alabama 1.'
canonical: 'https://deathpenaltyinfo.org/facts-and-research/data/recent-legislative-activity/legislation-by-year/2020-legislation'
section: topics
date: '2021-01-18T14:22:00-05:00'
updated: '2025-03-14T15:10:22-04:00'
source: 'Death Penalty Information Center'
---

[ ! ](https://images.dpic-cdn.org/Colorado-House-Abolition-Vote.jpeg) The vote board in the Colorado House of Representatives following the February 26, 2020 vote to abolish the state's death penalty

  **2020 - Proposed legislation  
States with bills to abolish death penalty indicated with \***

| State | Description | Status | [Dates of 2020 legislature](http://www.statescape.com/resources/legislative/session-schedules.aspx)^ |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | 1\. **[HB 275](http://alisondb.legislature.state.al.us/Alison/SESSBillStatusResult.ASPX?BILL=HB275&WIN_TYPE=BillResult)/[SB 200](http://alisondb.legislature.state.al.us/Alison/SESSBillStatusResult.aspx?BILL=SB200&WIN_TYPE=BillResult)** **would decrease the availability of state-court judicial review of death penalty cases** by vesting exclusive jurisdiction over death penalty appeals in the Alabama Court of Criminal Appeals and eliminating subsequent discretionary review by the Alabama Supreme Court.  2\. **[HB 359](http://alisondb.legislature.state.al.us/alison/SESSBillStatusResult.ASPX?BILL=HB359&WIN_TYPE=BillResult) would require a unanimous jury vote in order to impose a death sentence.** | 1. HB 275 **[introduced](http://alisondb.legislature.state.al.us/ALISON/SearchableInstruments/2020RS/PrintFiles/HB275-int.pdf)** on February 18, 2020 and referred to the House Committee on Judiciary. The committee [substituted](http://alisondb.legislature.state.al.us/ALISON/SearchableInstruments/2020RS/PrintFiles/205671-1.pdf) for that bill one that would eliminate appeals to the Alabama Court of Criminal Appeals and vest exclusive jurisdiction in the Alabama Supreme Court. The substituted version of the bill **PASSED** committee on March 12. SB 200 introduced on February 18, 2020 and referred to the Senate Committee on Judiciary. The committee adopted the same [substitute](http://alisondb.legislature.state.al.us/ALISON/SearchableInstruments/2020RS/PrintFiles/205662-2.pdf) as the House, which then **PASSED** committee by a 4-3 vote on February 27.  2\. Read for the first time on February 27, 2020 and referred to Committee on Judiciary. | February 4, 2020-May 18, 2020 |
| Arizona\* | 1\. **[SB 1249](https://apps.azleg.gov/BillStatus/GetDocumentPdf/473604) would abolish the death penalty.**  2\. **[SB 1250](https://www.azleg.gov/legtext/54leg/2R/bills/SB1250P.htm) would exempt defendants with serious mental illness from the death penalty.**  3\. **[SB 1386](https://www.azleg.gov/legtext/54leg/2R/bills/SB1386P.htm) changes Arizona's death penalty statute** to say a trier of fact "may" impose a death sentence if an aggravating circumstance is found, rather than "shall" impose a death sentence. | 1\. First reading January 23, 2020. Second reading January 27. Assigned to Judiciary and Rules committees.  2\. First reading January 23, 2020. Second reading January 27. Assigned to Judiciary and Rules committees.  3\. First reading January 29, 2020. Assigned to Judiciary and Rules committees. | January 13, 2020-April 25, 2020 |
| Arkansas |  |  | April 8, 2020-May 7, 2020 |
| California\* | 1\. **[ACA 12](https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billHistoryClient.xhtml?bill_id=201920200ACA12)** **would amend the California constitution to provide that "The death penalty shall not be imposed as a punishment for any violations of law."**  2\. **[AB-580](https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billTextClient.xhtml?bill_id=201920200AB580) would amend the procedures for commutations of death sentences**, requiring that the governor notify victims' families and allowing victims' families to request a public hearing before a commutation is granted. A commutation would not go into effect until at least 30 days after such a hearing.  3\. **[AB 1798](https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billNavClient.xhtml?bill_id=201920200AB1798) would create the California Racial Justice Act**, allowing prisoners to challenge their death sentences using statistical evidence of racial bias in the application of the death penalty or jury selection.  4\. **[SCR 38](https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billNavClient.xhtml?bill_id=201920200SCR38) would condemn Governor Gavin Newsom's imposition of a moratorium** on the death penalty and request that the state Attorney General continue pursuing executions.  5\. [**AB 2200**](https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billNavClient.xhtml?bill_id=201920200AB2200) **would prohibit racial discrimination in convictions and sentences and create a process to challenge racial discrimination at trial or following conviction.**  6\. **[AB 2512](https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billTextClient.xhtml?bill_id=201920200AB2512)** **would prohibit prosecutors from making race-based arguments to keep people with intellectual disabilities on death row** and make other changes to modernize the statute on intellectual disabilities and the death penalty.     7\. **[AB 2542](https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billHistoryClient.xhtml?bill_id=201920200AB2542) would create a California Racial Justice Act**, applicable to all criminal cases, which would prohibit the state from seeking a criminal conviction or sentence on the basis of race, ethnicity, or national origin and provide a mechanism for prisoners to challenge convictions or sentences that had been obtained based on race, ethnicity, or national origin.  8\. **[AB 3070](http://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billTextClient.xhtml?bill_id=201920200AB3070)** **would reform the use of peremptory strikes with the intent of reducing bias in jury selection.** | 1\. [Introduced](https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billNavClient.xhtml?bill_id=201920200ACA12) March 13, 2019.  2\. [Referred](https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billHistoryClient.xhtml?bill_id=201920200AB580) to Committee on Public Safety, Feb. 25, 2019. Amended by author on April 1 and re-referred to committee on April 2.  3\. AB 1798 was **[introduced](https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billNavClient.xhtml?bill_id=201920200AB1798)** February 22, 2019. Referred to Committee on Public Safety, March 21. **PASSED** Committee 6-1 on April 24. Referred to the Appropriations Committee, where it **DIED IN COMMITTEE** without consideration on January 31, 2020.  4\. Introduced April 8, 2019.  5\. Introduced February 12, 2020. Referred to Committee on Public Safety.  6\. AB 2512 was **[introduced](https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billTextClient.xhtml?bill_id=201920200AB2512)** February 19, 2020. Referred to the Assembly Committee on Public Safety. **PASSED** Public Safety Committee [6-1](https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billVotesClient.xhtml?bill_id=201920200AB2512) on May 19. **PASSED** full Assembly, [57-0](https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billVotesClient.xhtml?bill_id=201920200AB2512), on June 15 and referred to the Senate.  **PASSED** the Senate Committee on Public Safety [5-0](https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billVotesClient.xhtml?bill_id=201920200AB2512) on July 31. **PASSED** the full Senate [30-1](https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billVotesClient.xhtml?bill_id=201920200AB2512) on August 28, completing legislative passage.  Governor Gavin Newsom [**SIGNED THE BILL INTO LAW** ](https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billCompareClient.xhtml?bill_id=201920200AB2512&showamends=false)on September 30, 2020.  7\. AB 2542 was **[introduced](https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billTextClient.xhtml?bill_id=201920200AB2542)** February 19, 2020. **PASSED** the Assembly Transportation Committee [15-0](https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billVotesClient.xhtml?bill_id=201920200AB2542) on May 4, 2020. **PASSED** the Assembly Appropriations Committee [18-0](https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billVotesClient.xhtml?bill_id=201920200AB2542) on June 2, 2020. **PASSED** the full Assembly [76-0-3](https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billVotesClient.xhtml?bill_id=201920200AB2542) on June 8 and referred to the Senate.  **PASSED** the Senate Committee on Public Safety [4-2-1](https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billVotesClient.xhtml?bill_id=201920200AB2542) on August 7. **AMENDED** to make it non-retroactive and **PASSED** in the Appropriations Committee [5-2](https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billVotesClient.xhtml?bill_id=201920200AB2542) on August 20. PASSED the Senate [26-10-4](https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billVotesClient.xhtml?bill_id=201920200AB2542), as amended, and returned to the Assembly on August 31, the final day of the legislative session.  The Assembly **CONCURRED** in the Senate amendments, [49-16-14](https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billVotesClient.xhtml?bill_id=201920200AB2542), on August 31, completing legislative passage.  Governor Gavin Newsom **[SIGNED THE BILL INTO LAW](https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billCompareClient.xhtml?bill_id=201920200AB2542&showamends=false)** on September 30, 2020.  8\. AB 3070 was [**introduced**](https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billTextClient.xhtml?bill_id=201920200AB3070) February 21, 2020. **PASSED** the Assembly Judiciary Committee [8-3](https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billVotesClient.xhtml?bill_id=201920200AB3070) on May 12. **PASSED** the Appropriations Committee [13-5](https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billVotesClient.xhtml?bill_id=201920200AB3070) on June 2. **PASSED** the Assembly [53-16](https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billVotesClient.xhtml?bill_id=201920200AB3070) on June 11 and referred to the Senate.  Amended in the Senate Committee on Public Safety and **PASSED**, [4-3](https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billVotesClient.xhtml?bill_id=201920200AB3070), as amended on August 7. Referred to the Appropriations Committee and **PASSED**, [5-2](https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billVotesClient.xhtml?bill_id=201920200AB3070), as further amended on August 20. **REFUSED PASSAGE**, [18-11](https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billVotesClient.xhtml?bill_id=201920200AB3070), by the full Senate on August 30, but **RECONSIDERATION GRANTED**, [39-0](https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billVotesClient.xhtml?bill_id=201920200AB3070), later that day. **PASSED** the Senate, as amended, by a [21-16](https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billVotesClient.xhtml?bill_id=201920200AB3070) vote on August 31, the last voting day of the legislation session, and returned to the Assembly.  Shortly before midnight on the 31st, the Assembly **CONCURRED** in the Senate amendments, [49-17](https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billVotesClient.xhtml?bill_id=201920200AB3070), completing legislative passage.  Governor Gavin Newsom **[SIGNED THE BILL INTO LAW](https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billCompareClient.xhtml?bill_id=201920200AB3070&showamends=false)** on September 30, 2020. | December 3, 2018-November 30, 2020 |
| Colorado\* | **[SB 20-100](http://leg.colorado.gov/bills/sb20-100) would repeal the death penalty** for offenses charged on or after July 1, 2020 | **[Introduced](http://leg.colorado.gov/sites/default/files/documents/2020A/bills/2020a_100_01.pdf)** January 14, 2020 and assigned to the Senate Judiciary Committee. After a public hearing, the bill **PASSED** committee on January 27 by a 3-2 vote. After a floor debate, it **PASSED** the full Senate on January 30, by a [19-13](http://leg.colorado.gov/content/sb20-100vote652f67) vote, with 3 Republicans joining 16 Democrats in supporting the bill and 2 Democrats joining 11 Republicans in opposing.          The bill was introduced in the House and referred to the Judiciary Committee on February 4. After a public hearing, it **PASSED** the Judiciary Committee on February 18 by a vote of [6-3](http://leg.colorado.gov/content/154c60902897b4ed872585120071d027-sb20-100-0-activity-vote-summary). It **PASSED** second reading on a voice vote of the full House on February 25. The bill **PASSED** Third Reading by a vote of 38-27 on February 26. It was officially transmitted to the governor on March 13. **SIGNED** by Governor Jared Polis on March 23. Governor Polis commuted the sentences of the three men on death row to life without parole. | January 8, 2020-May 6, 2020 |
| Connecticut |  |  | February 5, 2020-May 6, 2020 |
| Delaware | 1\. **[HB 299](https://legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?legislationId=48030) would amend the death penalty statute declared unconstitutional by the Delaware Supreme Court** by permitting capital punishment upon proof of one or more of four aggravating circumstances —the murder of at least three people, a prior murder conviction, murder motivated by a hate crime, and a murder committed in an “outrageously or wantonly vile, horrible or inhuman” manner; and requiring the jury to unanimously find any aggravating circumstance and to unanimously find that the aggravating circumstances it has found outweigh mitigating circumstances beyond a reasonable doubt.  2\. **[HB 305](https://legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?legislationId=48039) would amend the Delaware constitution to prohibit the imposition of the death penalty.** | 1\. Introduced March 12, 2020 and assigned to House Judiciary Committee.  2\. Introduced March 12, 2020 and assigned to House Judiciary Committee. | January 14, 2020-June 30, 2020 |
| Florida\* | ****1\. **[HB 6045](https://www.myfloridahouse.gov/Sections/Bills/billsdetail.aspx?BillId=67399)**/**[SB 938](https://www.myfloridahouse.gov/Sections/Bills/billsdetail.aspx?BillId=67943&)** **would repeal the death penalty.**  2\. **[SB 28](http://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2020/28)**/[**HB**](http://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2020/6507)**[ 6507](http://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2020/6507)** **would provide $2.15 million compensation to death-row exoneree Clifford Williams.** Williams was wrongfully incarcerated for 43 years before being exonerated in 2019.  3\. **[CS/HB 7077](https://www.myfloridahouse.gov/Sections/Bills/billsdetail.aspx?BillId=69835) would expand access to post-conviction DNA testing.** | 1\. [HB 6045](https://www.myfloridahouse.gov/Sections/Documents/loaddoc.aspx?FileName=_h6045__.docx&DocumentType=Bill&BillNumber=6045&Session=2020) filed November 5, 2019, referred to Judiciary Committee on November 15. First reading January 14, 2020. [   SB 938](https://www.myfloridahouse.gov/Sections/Documents/loaddoc.aspx?FileName=_s0938__.DOCX&DocumentType=Bill&BillNumber=0938&Session=2020) filed November 14, 2019, referred to Criminal Justice Committee on December 13, 2019. Introduced January 14, 2020. The bills are not expected to receive a hearing this session. SB 938 was withdrawn from consideration on March 14.  2\. SB 28 was introduced on January 14, 2020 and referred to the Judiciary Committee. **PASSED** Judiciary Committee 5-0 on January 28 and referred to Appropriations Committee. **PASSED** Criminal and Civil Justice Subcommittee 8-0 on February 18. **PASSED** Appropriations Committee 20-0 on February 20. **PASSED** Senate 40-0 on March 3. **PASSED** House 116-0 on March 10.  HB 6507 was introduced on January 14, 2020 and referred to the Civil Justice Subcommittee. **PASSED** Civil Justice Subcommittee 15-0 on January 22 and referred to Appropriations Committee. **PASSED** Appropriations Committee 27-0 on February 18 and referred to Judiciary Committee. **PASSED** Judiciary Committee 17-0 on February 26. The House version was passed over in favor of the Senate version, which passed both houses unanimously.  **SIGNED by Governor DeSantis, June 9, 2020.**  3\. Filed February 5, 2020. **PASSED** House Appropriations Committee on February 18 by a [vote of 27-0](https://www.myfloridahouse.gov/Sections/Committees/billvote.aspx?VoteId=55961&IsPCB=0&BillId=69835&). **PASSED** House Judiciary Committee on February 27 by a [17-0 vote](https://www.myfloridahouse.gov/Sections/Committees/billvote.aspx?VoteId=56374&IsPCB=0&BillId=69835&). **PASSED** the House [114-0](https://www.myfloridahouse.gov/Sections/Bills/floorvote.aspx?VoteId=19625&BillId=69835&&) on March 10. Senate **FAILED** to act on the bill before the session ended. | January 14, 2020-March 13, 2020 |
| Georgia\* | 1\. **[HB 267](http://www.legis.ga.gov/Legislation/en-US/display/20192020/HB/267) would bar the death penalty in cases in which the only evidence of guilt is the testimony of a single eyewitness**.  2\. **[HB 702](http://www.legis.ga.gov/Legislation/en-US/display/20192020/HB/702)/[HB 916](http://www.legis.ga.gov/legislation/en-US/Display/20192020/HB/916) would repeal the death penalty and resentence those currently on death row to life without parole**. | 1\. **[Introduced](http://www.legis.ga.gov/Legislation/20192020/181157.pdf)** on February 12, 2019.  2\. HB 702 **[Introduced](http://www.legis.ga.gov/Legislation/20192020/186394.pdf)** on March 28, 2019 and referred to the House Judiciary Non-Civil Committee. HB 916 introduced on February 18, 2020. | January 14, 2019-April 3, 2020 |
| Idaho |  |  | January 6, 2020-March 27, 2020 |
| Illinois | 1\. **[HB 2035](http://www.ilga.gov/legislation/billstatus.asp?DocNum=2035&GAID=15&GA=101&DocTypeID=HB&LegID=117536&SessionID=108), [SB 1444](http://www.ilga.gov/legislation/billstatus.asp?DocNum=1444&GAID=15&GA=101&DocTypeID=SB&LegID=118252&SessionID=108), [SB 1487](http://www.ilga.gov/legislation/billstatus.asp?DocNum=1487&GAID=15&GA=101&DocTypeID=SB&LegID=118376&SessionID=108), [SB 2109](http://www.ilga.gov/legislation/billstatus.asp?DocNum=2109&GAID=15&GA=101&DocTypeID=SB&LegID=120224&SessionID=108), and [HB4066](http://www.ilga.gov/legislation/billstatus.asp?DocNum=4066&GAID=15&GA=101&DocTypeID=HB&LegID=122955&SessionID=108) reinstate the death penalty** and create regulations for representation and funding.  2\. **[HB 3164](http://www.ilga.gov/legislation/billstatus.asp?DocNum=3164&GAID=15&GA=101&DocTypeID=HB&LegID=119583&SessionID=108) reinstates the death penalty for murder of a police officer, firefighter, or multiple victims.** | 1\. HB 2035 filed February 1, 2019, first reading February 4, referred to Rules Committee. SB 1444 filed February 13, referred to Assignments. SB 1487 filed February 13, referred to Assignments. SB 2109 filed February 15, referred to Assignments. HB 4066 filed January 10, 2020 and referred to Rules Committee January 13.  2\. Filed February 15, 2019. | January 9, 2019-January 6, 2021 |
| Indiana |  |  | January 6, 2020-March 14, 2020 |
| Iowa | 1\. **[SF 296](https://www.legis.iowa.gov/legislation/BillBook?ga=88&ba=SF%20296)** **and [SF 588](https://www.legis.iowa.gov/legislation/BillBook?ga=88&ba=sf588) would reinstate the death penalty for the crime of kidnapping, rape, and murder of a minor.**  2\. [**HF 62**](https://www.legis.iowa.gov/legislation/BillBook?ga=88&ba=hf62) **would reinstate the death penalty for first degree murder.** | 1\. SF 296 [introduced](https://www.legis.iowa.gov/legislation/BillBook?ga=88&ba=SF%20296) February 19, 2019. Referred to Judiciary Committee. A subcommittee of the Judiciary Committee voted 3-2 on February 27 to recommend passage of the bill. The Judiciary Committee PASSED the bill on March 7 by a vote of 8-7. The bill died after failing to meet the April 5 "second funnel" deadline for approval by committees in both Houses of the legislature. SF 588 is a later version of the same bill.  2\. Introduced January 23, 2019. Referred to Judiciary Committee. | January 14, 2019-April 21, 2020 |
| Kansas\* | 1\. **[HB 2282](http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2019_20/measures/hb2282/) and [SB 21](http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2019_20/measures/sb21/) would abolish the death penalty**.  2\. [**SB 95**](http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2019_20/measures/sb95/) **would require the board of healing arts and board of pharmacy to be involved in decisions related to lethal-injection protocols.**  3\. **[SB 96](http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2019_20/measures/sb96/) would require annual inspections of the execution chamber.** | 1\. SB 21 was [introduced](http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2019_20/measures/documents/sb21_00_0000.pdf) on January 17, 2019 and referred to the Committee on Judiciary.  HB 2282 was [introduced](http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2019_20/measures/documents/hb2282_00_0000.pdf) on February 12, 2019 and referred to the Committee on Corrections and Juvenile Justice, which conducted a hearing on the bill on February 19. The committee voted 7-6 on February 22 to **defeat** the bill.  2\. Introduced February 5, 2019 and referred to the Committee on Judiciary.  3\. Introduced February 5, 2019 and referred to the Committee on Judiciary. | January 14, 2019-April 21, 2020 |
| Kentucky | **[SB 154](https://apps.legislature.ky.gov/record/20rs/sb154.html) would prohibit the death penalty for defendants with serious mental illness.** | Introduced February 7, 2020 and referred to the Senate Judiciary Committee on February 10. **PASSED** in committee on February 27. | January 7, 2020-April 15, 2020 |
| Louisiana\* | 1\. **[HB 38](https://legis.la.gov/legis/BillInfo.aspx?s=20RS&b=HB38&sbi=y) would repeal the death penalty.**  2\. **[HB 222](https://legis.la.gov/legis/BillInfo.aspx?s=20RS&b=HB222&sbi=y) would add nitrogen hypoxia as an execution method if lethal injection is unavailable and make secret the identities of anyone involved in the execution process**, including providers of drugs or medical equipment. | 1\. Prefiled February 5, 2020 and referred to Committee on Administration of Criminal Justice.  2\. Prefiled on February 26, 2020 and referred to Committee on Administration of Criminal Justice. | March 9, 2020-June 1, 2020 |
| Maryland | **[HB 1322](http://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/hb1322) would reinstate the death penalty for mass murder**, defined as the killing of five or more victims in one event and at one location. | First reading in Judiciary Committee, February 7, 2020. Hearing scheduled for March 10 at 1 pm. The hearing was cancelled on March 3. | January 8, 2020-April 6, 2020 |
| Massachusetts | 1\. **[H 1387](https://malegislature.gov/Bills/191/H1387) would reinstate the death penalty.**  2\. **[H 3773](https://malegislature.gov/Bills/191/H3773) would reinstate the death penalty for the killing of law enforcement officers.** | 1\. Referred to the committee on the Judiciary, January 22, 2019.  2\. Referred to the committee on the Judiciary, May 13, 2019. Hearing held October 8, 2019. | January 2, 2019-January 7, 2021 |
| Michigan | **[HR 148](http://legislature.mi.gov/doc.aspx?2019-HR-0148)** is a resolution **opposing the federal government's efforts to resume executions**. | Introduced September 3, 2019 and referred to Committee on Judiciary. | January 9, 2019-December 31, 2020 |
| Mississippi |  |  | January 7, 2020-May 10, 2020 |
| Missouri\* | 1\. **[HB 1277](https://house.mo.gov/Bill.aspx?bill=HB1277&year=2020&code=R)/[SB 635](http://senate.mo.gov/20info/BTS_Web/Bill.aspx?SessionType=R&BillID=26838025)** **would abolish the death penalty** and resentence death-row prisoners to life without parole.  2\. **[HB 1331](https://house.mo.gov/Bill.aspx?bill=HB1331&year=2020&code=R) would create a Change of Venue for Capital Cases Fund** to reimburse a county that receives a capital case from another county for costs associated with the sequestering of jurors.  3\. **[HB 1756](https://house.mo.gov/Bill.aspx?bill=HB1756&year=2020&code=R)** **would exempt defendants with severe mental illness from the death penalty.**  4\. **[HB 1925](https://house.mo.gov/Bill.aspx?bill=HB1925&year=2020&code=R) would require that a life sentence be imposed if the sentencing jury does not unanimously agree to a death sentence**, repealing a provision that treated a non-unanimous vote as a hung jury and allowed the trial judge to determine the sentence. | 1\. HB 1277 prefiled December 2, 2019. First reading January 8, 2020, second reading January 9. SB 635 prefiled December 1, 2019. First reading January 8, 2020. Second reading January 16, bill referred to General Laws Committee.  2\. Prefiled December 2, 2019. First reading January 8, 2020. Second reading January 9, bill referred to Judiciary Committee. Public hearing held January 28. **PASSED** Judiciary Committee 16-0 on February 11, referred to Rules Committee. **PASSED** Rules Committee 8-1 on February 13, referred to Fiscal Review. **PASSED** Fiscal Review 9-0 on March 2. **PASSED** House 134-17 on March 2 and reported to the Senate.  3\. Prefiled December 12, 2019. First reading January 8, 2020. Second reading January 9. The bill was referred to the House Special Committee on Criminal Justice on February 27, which conducted a public hearing on the bill on March 5.  4\. [Prefiled](https://house.mo.gov/billtracking/bills201/hlrbillspdf/4253H.01I.pdf) January 2, 2020. First reading January 8. Second reading January 9. The bill was referred to the House Special Committee on Criminal Justice on February 27, which conducted a public hearing on the bill on March 5. | January 8, 2020-May 15, 2020 |
| Nebraska\* | 1\. **[LB 44](https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=37508) would eliminate the death penalty as a punishment for first-degree murder**.  2\. **[LB 207](https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=37577) would establish a Death Penalty Defense Standards Advisory Council** to examine the current capital defense system in Nebraska and develop guidelines and standards for capital defense representation.  3\. **[LB 238](https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=37092) would change provisions relating to witnessing executions to make executions more transparent.** | 1\. [Introduced](https://www.nebraskalegislature.gov/FloorDocs/106/PDF/Intro/LB44.pdf) on January 10, 2019 and referred to the Judiciary Committee on January 14. The Committee conducted a hearing on the bill on March 7 and on March 15 voted 5-2 to advance the bill to the full Senate. Sen. Chambers designated the bill a priority bill and it was placed on "general file" on March 18. By a vote of [25-17](https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_votes.php?KeyID=4568) on April 25, it failed to advance to second consideration but was carried over to the 2020 legislative session on January 8, 2020.  2\. [Introduced](https://www.nebraskalegislature.gov/FloorDocs/106/PDF/Intro/LB207.pdf) on January 11, 2019 and referred to the Judiciary Committee on January 15. The Committee conducted a hearing on the bill for March 7. The bill was carried over to the 2020 legislative session on January 8, 2020.  3\. [Introduced](https://nebraskalegislature.gov/FloorDocs/106/PDF/Intro/LB238.pdf) on January 14, 2019 and referred to the Judiciary Committee on January 16. The Committee conducted a hearing on the bill for March 7, 2019. The bill was place on "general file" on May 23, then carried over to the 2020 legislative session January 8, 2020, where it advanced to second consideration by a vote of [33-7](https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_votes.php?KeyID=5346) on February 13, 2020. | January 9, 2019-April 15, 2020 |
| New Hampshire |  |  | January 8, 2020-June 30, 2020 |
| New Jersey | **[A 2237](https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/2020/Bills/A2500/2237_I1.HTM) would reinstate the death penalty for murder of a law enforcement officer, murder of a child, or terrorism.** | Introduced January 14, 2020. Referred to Judiciary Committee. | January 14, 2020-January 11, 2022 |
| New York | 1\. **[A 6114](https://nyassembly.gov/leg/?default_fld=%0D%0A&leg_video=&bn=A06114&term=2019&Summary=Y&Actions=Y) would reinstate the death penalty.**  2\. **[A 7222](https://nyassembly.gov/leg/?default_fld=%0D%0A&leg_video=&bn=A07222&term=2019&Summary=Y&Actions=Y)/[S 4320](https://nyassembly.gov/leg/?default_fld=%0D%0A&leg_video=&bn=S04320&term=2019&Summary=Y&Actions=Y)/[S 1995](https://nyassembly.gov/leg/?default_fld=&leg_video=&bn=S01995&term=2019&Summary=Y&Actions=Y&Text=Y)/[A 6822](https://nyassembly.gov/leg/?default_fld=%0D%0A&leg_video=&bn=A06822&term=2019&Summary=Y&Actions=Y&Text=Y) would formally remove the death penalty from New York law.** | 1\. Referred to Codes, February 28, 2019.  2\. A 7222 referred to Codes, April 12, 2019. S 4320 referred to Codes March 7, 2019. S 1995 referred to Codes January 18, 2019. A 6822 referred to Codes March 20, 2019. | January 9, 2019-January 6, 2021 |
| North Carolina\* | 1\. **[HB 587](https://www.ncleg.gov/BillLookUp/2019/hb%20587) would repeal the death penalty.**  2\. **[SB 668](https://www.ncleg.gov/BillLookUp/2019/sb668) prohibits the death penalty for defendants with "severe mental disability" at the time of the crime.**"Severe mental disability" is defined as "any mental disability or defect that significantly impairs a person's capacity to do any of the following: (i) appreciate the nature, consequences, or wrongfulness of the person's conduct in the criminal offense, (ii) exercise rational judgment in relation to the criminal offense, or (iii) conform the person's conduct to the requirements of the law in connection with the criminal offense." | 1\. Filed April 3, 2019. Referred to Committee on Judiciary.  2\. Filed April 3, 2019. Referred to Committee on Rules and Operations. | January 16, 2019-June 30, 2020 |
| Ohio | **[HB 136](https://www.legislature.ohio.gov/legislation/legislation-summary?id=GA133-HB-136)/[SB 54](https://www.legislature.ohio.gov/legislation/legislation-summary?id=GA133-SB-54) would prohibit the death penalty for defendants with serious mental illness.** | HB 136 introduced March 19, 2019, referred to Criminal Justice Committee. SB 54 introduced February 19, 2019, referred to Judiciary Committee. PASSED in committee by a [vote of 11-1](https://www.legislature.ohio.gov/legislation/legislation-votes?id=GA133-HB-136) on May 30, 2019. The bill **PASSED** the full House by a vote of [76-18](https://www.legislature.ohio.gov/legislation/legislation-votes?id=GA133-HB-136) on June 5. **PASSED** the Senate, with amendments, on December 9 by a vote of 27-3. House approved Senate amendments on December 17.  **SIGNED** by Gov. DeWine on January 9, 2021. | January 7, 2019-December 31, 2020 |
| Oklahoma\* | **[HB 2876](http://www.oklegislature.gov/BillInfo.aspx?Bill=hb2876) would prospectively abolish the death penalty, effective November 1, 2020.** | Introduced January 14, 2020. First reading scheduled for February 3. Referred to Judiciary Committee February 4. | February 5, 2019-May 29, 2020 |
| Oregon |  |  | February 3, 2020-March 7, 2020 |
| Pennsylvania\* | 1\. **[HB 577](https://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billInfo/billInfo.cfm?sYear=2019&sInd=0&body=h&type=b&bn=577)** **would allow a sentence of death if at least 11 jurors find an aggravating circumstance and no mitigating circumstance.**  2\. **[SB 848](https://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/billinfo.cfm?syear=2019&sind=0&body=S&type=B&bn=0848) & [HB 2211](https://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/bill_history.cfm?syear=2019&sind=0&body=H&type=B&bn=2211) would prohibit imposition of the death penalty** and make murder in the first degree punishable only by a sentence of life without parole. | 1\. Referred to Judiciary Committee, February 28, 2019.  2\. SB 848 [introduced](https://www.legis.state.pa.us/CFDOCS/Legis/PN/Public/btCheck.cfm?txtType=PDF&sessYr=2019&sessInd=0&billBody=S&billTyp=B&billNbr=0848&pn=1158) on September 5, 2019 and referred to the Senate Judiciary Committee.  HB 2211 [introduced](https://www.legis.state.pa.us/CFDOCS/Legis/PN/Public/btCheck.cfm?txtType=PDF&sessYr=2019&sessInd=0&billBody=H&billTyp=B&billNbr=2211&pn=3126) on January 14, 2020 and referred to the House Judiciary Committee | January 1, 2019-November 30, 2020 |
| South Carolina\* | 1\. **[H 3301](https://www.scstatehouse.gov/billsearch.php?billnumbers=3301&session=123&summary=B)** & [**S 0176**](https://www.scstatehouse.gov/billsearch.php?billnumbers=176&session=123&summary=B) **would make electrocution the default method of execution**, but would allow prisoners to select execution by lethal injection if lethal injection is available. It also adds firing squad as a backup method of execution.  2\. [**H 3354**](https://www.scstatehouse.gov/billsearch.php?billnumbers=3354&session=123&summary=B) **would prevent disclosure of identities of members of the execution team**, including providers of lethal-injection drugs or medical supplies.  3\. [**S 0047**](https://www.scstatehouse.gov/billsearch.php?billnumbers=47&session=123&summary=B) **would abolish the death penalty** and life without parole for juvenile offenders. (Juvenile offenders are ineligible for the death penalty under the U.S. Supreme Court's 2005 ruling in *Roper v. Simmons*.)  4\. [**S 0058**](https://www.scstatehouse.gov/billsearch.php?billnumbers=58&session=123&summary=B) **would abolish the death penalty**. | 1\. H 3301 prefiled and referred to the House Committee on Judiciary, December 18, 2018. S 0176 prefiled and referred to the Senate Committee on Corrections and Penology, December 12, 2018. **PASSED** the Senate by a vote of [26-13](https://www.scstatehouse.gov/votehistory.php?KEY=15558) on January 30, 2019 and advanced to consideration by the House. It was referred to the House Judiciary Committee on January 31. The committee conducted a hearing on the bill on March 3, 2020, rejected an amendment to make the bill apply prospectively only, and voted to approve the bill.  2\. Prefiled and referred to the Committee on Judiciary, December 18, 2018. It was formally introduced and referred to committee on January 8, 2019.  3\. Prefiled and referred to the Committee on Judiciary, December 12, 2018. It was formally introduced and referred to committee on January 8, 2019.  4\. Prefiled and referred to the Committee on Judiciary, December 12, 2018. It was formally introduced and referred to committee on January 8, 2019. | January 8, 2019-June 8, 2020 |
| South Dakota | **[SB 64](https://sdlegislature.gov/Legislative_Session/Bills/Bill.aspx?Bill=64&Session=2020) would prohibit capital punishment for individuals suffering from a severe mental illness.** | SB 64 **[introduced](https://mylrc.sdlegislature.gov/api/Documents/63061.pdf)** on January 22, 2020 and referred to the Senate Judiciary Committee. The bill was [amended](https://mylrc.sdlegislature.gov/api/Documents/66519.pdf) in committee on February 6 to eliminate the proposed prohibition against capital punishment for those with severe mental illness and replace that with an enumerated list of mitigating circumstances. It was further [amended](https://mylrc.sdlegislature.gov/api/Documents/67806.pdf) on February 20 to broaden the scope of the enumerated mitigating factors. However, the amended bill was defeated in committee on February 20 by a [4-3 vote](https://sdlegislature.gov/Legislative_Session/Bills/RollCall.aspx?Vote=33322&Session=2020). | January 14, 2020-March 30, 2020 |
| Tennessee | **[HB 1455/SB 1124](http://wapp.capitol.tn.gov/apps/BillInfo/default.aspx?BillNumber=HB1455&GA=111) would exclude defendants with severe mental illness from the death penalty.** | HB1455/SB1124 were **introduced** February 6, 2019. HB1455 was referred to the House Judiciary Committee on February 11 and assigned to the Criminal Justice Subcommittee on February 13. It was favorably reported out of subcommittee on March 13. **PASSED** Judiciary Committee by a voice vote on March 11.  SB1124 was referred to Senate Judiciary Committee on February 11, 2019. | January 8, 2019-May 1, 2020 |
| Texas |  |  | No session in even-numbered years |
| Utah |  |  | January 27, 2020-March 12, 2020 |
| Virginia\* | 1\. **[HB 85](https://lis.virginia.gov/cgi-bin/legp604.exe?ses=201&typ=bil&val=hb85)**/**[SB 449](https://lis.virginia.gov/cgi-bin/legp604.exe?ses=201&typ=bil&val=sb449&emci=132e0c7b-4532-ea11-a1cc-2818784d084f&emdi=e8f187b6-1a33-ea11-a1cc-2818784d084f&ceid=5000422)** **would abolish the death penalty**, including for those currently sentenced to death.  2\. **[SB 116](http://lis.virginia.gov/cgi-bin/legp604.exe?201+sum+SB116)**/**[HB 280](http://lis.virginia.gov/cgi-bin/legp604.exe?ses=201&typ=bil&val=hb280)**/**[HB 1386](https://lis.virginia.gov/cgi-bin/legp604.exe?ses=201&typ=bil&val=hb1386&emci=132e0c7b-4532-ea11-a1cc-2818784d084f&emdi=e8f187b6-1a33-ea11-a1cc-2818784d084f&ceid=5000422)** **would exempt defendants with severe mental illness from the death penalty.**  3\. **[SB 270](https://lis.virginia.gov/cgi-bin/legp604.exe?ses=201&typ=bil&val=sb270&submit=GO) would make the identity of any entity that provides execution drugs public information** subject to disclosure under the state Freedom of Information Act and in civil legal proceedings.  4\. **[SB 331](https://lis.virginia.gov/cgi-bin/legp604.exe?ses=201&typ=bil&val=sb331&submit=GO) would add murder committed on the grounds of a school or daycare to the category of capital murder.**  5\. **[SB 802](https://lis.virginia.gov/cgi-bin/legp604.exe?ses=201&typ=bil&val=sb802) would impose a moratorium on executions until a subcommittee studies the issue and presents a report and recommendations.** | 1\. HB 85 prefiled December 10, 2019 and referred to Committee for Courts of Justice. SB 449 prefiled and referred to Committee on Judiciary, January 7, 2020. Judiciary Committee held a hearing on SB 449 on January 29. The committee voted 9-6 on February 5 to continue the bill to the 2021 session, meaning no further action will be taken in 2020.  2\. SB 116 prefiled December 14, 2019. HB 280 prefiled December 30, 2019 and referred to Committee for Courts of Justice. HB 1386 prefiled January 8, 2020 and referred to Committee for Courts of Justice.  SB 116 **reported out** of Senate Judiciary Committee, 9-4 on January 27, 2020. **PASSED** the full Senate by a vote of 32-7 on January 30.  3\. SB 270 [prefiled](https://lis.virginia.gov/cgi-bin/legp604.exe?201+ful+SB270+pdf) January 3, 2020 and referred to the Senate Committee on Education and Health. Replaced with a [substituted version](https://lis.virginia.gov/cgi-bin/legp604.exe?201+ful+SB270S1+pdf%EF%BB%BF) and favorably **reported out** of committee by a vote of [11-3](https://lis.virginia.gov/cgi-bin/legp604.exe?201+vot+S04V0113+SB0270) on January 30. **PASSED** by the full Senate by a vote of [21-19](https://lis.virginia.gov/cgi-bin/legp604.exe?201+vot+SV0316SB0270+SB0270) on February 4.  SB 270 was placed on the House calendar and referred to the Committee on Health, Welfare and Institutions on February 13. It was **reported out** of committee by a vote of [13-9](https://lis.virginia.gov/cgi-bin/legp604.exe?201+vot+H12V0438+SB0270) on February 25.  **PASSED** the House [53-45](https://lis.virginia.gov/cgi-bin/legp604.exe?201+vot+HV1747+SB0270) on March 3. Senate **approved** House amendments [22-17](https://lis.virginia.gov/cgi-bin/legp604.exe?201+vot+SV1494SB0270+SB0270). **SIGNED** by the governor on April 11, 2020.  4\. Prefiled and referred to Committee on Judiciary, January 6, 2020. Passed by indefinitely, January 27.  5\. Prefiled and referred to Committee on Judiciary, January 8, 2020. Hearing held January 29. | January 8, 2020-March 7, 2020 |
| Washington | 1\. **[SB 5339](https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=5339&Year=2019)/[HB 1488](https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=1488&Year=2019&Initiative=false)** **would remove the death penalty from Washington's laws**, bringing it in line with the [2018 Washington Supreme Court ruling](https://deathpenaltyinfo.org/node/7220) striking down the death penalty.  2\. [**SB 5364**](https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=5364&Initiative=false&Year=2019)/[**HB 1709**](https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=1709&Chamber=House&Year=2019) **would reinstate the death penalty for people who commit murder while incarcerated.** | 1\. SB 5339 [introduced](http://lawfilesext.leg.wa.gov/biennium/2019-20/Pdf/Bills/Senate%20Bills/5339.pdf) on January 17, 2019 and referred to the Senate Committee on Law & Justice. After a public hearing on February 5, the bill **Passed** the committee on February 7 with 4-1 recommendation, 2019. The bill **PASSED** the State Senate on February 15 by a vote of 28-19. It was referred to the House Committee on Public Safety on February 18, which conducted a public hearing on the bill on March 25 and voted to **PASS** the bill on April 1.  Reintroduced in the 2020 session on January 23, 2020. **PASSED** the Senate on January 31, 2020 by a 28-18 vote. Referred to the House Committee on Public Safety on February 3, where a hearing was held on February 24. **PASSED** House Committee on Public Safety by a 7-3 vote on February 27. Failed to come up for a vote in the full House by the March 7 deadline for consideration in the 2020 legislative session.  HB 1488 introduced on January 23, 2019 and referred to the Committee on Public Safety.  2\. SB 5364 introduced January 18, 2019 and referred to Law & Justice Committee. HB 1709 introduced on January 29, 2019 and referred to Committee on Public Safety. | January 14, 2019-March 12, 2020 |
| West Virginia | **[HB 2712](https://www.wvlegislature.gov/Bill_Status/bills_history.cfm?INPUT=2712&year=2020&sessiontype=RS)/[HB 2033](https://www.wvlegislature.gov/Bill_Status/bills_history.cfm?INPUT=2033&year=2020&sessiontype=RS) would reinstate the death penalty for murder committed with any of 13 aggravating circumstances.** | Both bills introduced and referred to House Judiciary Committee, January 8, 2020. | January 8, 2020-March 7, 2020 |
| Wyoming\* | **[HB 166](https://www.wyoleg.gov/Legislation/2020/HB0166) would abolish the death penalty.** | 2020 is a budget session in Wyoming, so introduction of a non-budgetary bill requires a two-thirds vote. HB 166 was filed on February 10, 2020, but the 37-23 vote on February 14 fell three votes short of the supermajority needed for introduction. | February 10, 2020-March 6, 2020 |
| Federal\* | 1\. **[HR 99](https://www.congress.gov/bill/116th-congress/house-bill/99/)** **would provide additional aggravating factors for the imposition of the death penalty** based on the status of the victim.  2\. [**HR 4022**](https://www.congress.gov/bill/116th-congress/house-bill/4022?r=1&s=1) (Federal Death Penalty Abolition Act) would **abolish the federal and military death penalty**, and commute existing federal and military death sentences to life without parole.  3\. **[HR 4052](https://www.congress.gov/bill/116th-congress/house-bill/4052?s=1&r=1)** would **abolish the federal death penalty** and provides for resentencing of those currently sentenced to death.  4\. **[HR 3980](https://www.congress.gov/bill/116th-congress/house-bill/3980)**/**[S 2264](https://www.congress.gov/bill/116th-congress/senate-bill/2264)** would require that, **when a capital jury does not reach a unanimous sentencing recommendation, a new jury would be impaneled. If the new jury is also not unanimous, the court is barred from imposing a death sentence.** | 1\. Introduced January 3, 2019.  2\. Introduced July 25, 2019. Referred to Committee on Judiciary and Committee on Armed Services.  3\. Introduced on July 25, 2019. Referred to Committee on Judiciary.  4\. Both bills introduced on July 25, 2019, referred to Committee on the Judiciary. | January 3, 2019-October 30, 2020 |

Additional resources: [Bill signing deadlines in each state](http://www.statescape.com/resources/legislative/bill-signing-deadlines/)

**The National Conference of State Legislatures** webpage on [recent enactments of death penalty laws](http://www.ncsl.org/research/civil-and-criminal-justice/death-penalty.aspx) (2015—2017).

^Some states carry over bills between years, while others start anew each year. The dates listed may include multiple legislative sessions in which bills can be carried over.