SENATE BILL REPORT

                            SB 5414

                    AS OF FEBRUARY 16, 1993

Brief Description:  Eliminating the death penalty.

SPONSORS: Senators Prentice, Rinehart, Williams and Moore

SENATE COMMITTEE ON LAW & JUSTICE

Staff:  Lidia Mori (786‑7755)

Hearing Dates: February 17, 1993

BACKGROUND:

Washington law provides for the death penalty in certain cases of aggravated first-degree murder.  The death penalty may be imposed if, in a special sentencing proceeding following conviction, it is found that there are not sufficient mitigating circumstances to merit leniency.  If, on the other hand, such mitigating circumstances are found, the sentence will be life imprisonment without the possibility of parole.

SUMMARY:

A person convicted of aggravated first degree murder after the effective date of this act will not receive a sentence of death but instead will be sentenced to life imprisonment without possibility of release or parole.  A person who was convicted of aggravated first degree murder before the effective date of this act who has been sentenced to death will not receive a reduced or changed sentence as a result of this act.  A sentence of death may be imposed if a crime was planned, begun, or committed before the effective date of this act.

Appropriation:  none

Revenue:  none

Fiscal Note:  requested