This year we had a groundbreaking session this year on bills to enact a death penalty study commission and/or moratorium on executions. While we did not reach our ultimate goal of sending the bill to the Governor to sign, here are some of the amazing happenings:

The statewide lobby day coincided with our first-ever public hearing in the Senate committee and we packed the room! There was testimony from a former police officer, a prosecuting attorney from Texas, an exoneree, and murder victims’ family member – all making powerful arguments that Missouri needs a death penalty study and execution moratorium. Although the committee deleted the moratorium on executions from the Study Commission, we were encouraged that they passed the bill unanimously! It eventually had a floor debate in the Senate - also a first for us! Due to filibustering the sponsor withdrew the bill without a vote.

We maintained a presence throughout the legislative session, with Moratorium Now! members visiting the capitol weekly to keep the issue of moratorium in front of legislators.

Our hard work paid off and the process picked up in the House of Representatives. The committee voted unanimously voted Due Pass on a study bill and then again we had a floor debate. The members of the House of Representatives spent an hour days before the session ended arguing the merits of the death penalty and the need for a moratorium and study commission.. The House voted (by an impressive margin) to enact a death penalty study bill! Unfortunately, when a conference committee was set up to reconcile the Senate and House bills, the study measure was removed.

We were tremendously encouraged by our success this legislative session. There is broad support for a study bill, and everyone in the statehouse has been educated about the need for Moratorium Now!

Thanks to everyone who visited the capitol, called their representatives and took part to help us move further than ever this legislatives session. Next year we will go even further!