The bill amends the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes to eliminate the death penalty as a sentencing option for first-degree murder, including the murder of a law enforcement officer and the murder of an unborn child. Instead, it mandates life imprisonment as the sole sentence for these offenses. The legislation also repeals Section 4302 of Title 61, which previously outlined the Governor's responsibilities regarding the issuance of execution warrants, including specific timelines and procedures for carrying out executions. This repeal signifies a shift in the capital punishment process, removing the Governor's role and potentially redistributing responsibilities to other authorities.

Additionally, the bill revises the post-conviction DNA testing process, focusing on establishing actual innocence rather than referencing capital cases or aggravating circumstances. It streamlines the appellate process by granting the Supreme Court exclusive jurisdiction over direct appeals from common pleas courts, particularly in cases requiring automatic reviews of sentences. The new provisions will apply to defendants and individuals who have not yet been sentenced as of the act's effective date, which is set to take effect 60 days after passage. Overall, the legislation aims to reform the sentencing framework and enhance the rights of individuals seeking to challenge their convictions.

Statutes/Laws affected:
Printer's No. 960 (Mar 17, 2025): 18-1102(a), 18-3301(b)(1), P.L.233, No.64
Printer's No. 0960: 18-1102(a), 18-3301(b)(1), P.L.233, No.64