01 April 2021 :
Bill to eliminate death penalty for mentally ill clears first Senate committee
A bill sponsored by Pinellas County Republican Sen. Jeff Brandes that would prohibit the death penalty for those deemed “seriously mentally ill” cleared its 1st committee hurdle Tuesday. The proposal (SB 1156) passed unanimously through the Senate Criminal Justice Committee. The legislation would create a law barring a court from imposing the death penalty on a person who was “seriously mentally ill” at the time they committed the criminal act. The bill defines the term “serious mental illness” as any mental diagnosis, disability or defect that significantly impairs a person’s capacity to understand the nature, consequences or wrongfulness of their conduct; exercise rational judgment in relation to the offense; or conform their conduct to the requirements of the law in connection with the criminal offense. The legislation also provides procedures for the court to make a determination of serious mental illness as a barrier to execution. Brandes’ Senate bill now has two more committees to clear before it can be heard before the full Senate.
