The bill aims to repeal capital punishment in the State of South Dakota by amending existing laws regarding felony classifications and their associated penalties. Specifically, it removes the possibility of a death sentence for Class A felonies, replacing it with life imprisonment as the maximum penalty. The bill also introduces new provisions stating that any defendant charged with a crime that carries a potential death sentence, but who has not yet been convicted and sentenced to death by July 1, 2025, cannot receive a death sentence.

Additionally, the bill clarifies that it does not affect any death sentences that have already been imposed prior to July 1, 2025. This means that those sentences will remain in effect, regardless of any ongoing legal challenges or appeals. The legislation thus establishes a clear timeline for the cessation of capital punishment while ensuring that existing death sentences are not altered or suspended.

Statutes affected:
Introduced, 01/29/2025: 22-6-1