South Dakota currently allows judges and juries to consider multiple circumstances when deciding whether to impose the death penalty; this bill narrows those circumstances by removing some factors that can justify a death sentence. The specific aggravating circumstances that qualify for capital punishment are being reduced, making it harder for prosecutors to pursue the death penalty in certain cases.
This bill does not directly amend codified state law.
Senate Do Pass Failed, YEAS 13, NAYS 20. S.J. 211
Senate Deferred to another day S.J. 202
Judiciary Do Pass Passed, YEAS 5, NAYS 1. S.J. 1
Judiciary Scheduled for hearing S.J. 1
Judiciary Scheduled for hearing S.J. 1
First read in Senate and referred to Senate Judiciary S.J. 102
Arthur Rusch
Prime sponsor · Sen.
R
Charlie Hoffman
Prime sponsor · Rep.
R
Cosponsors
Do Pass
Judiciary — Do Pass