reinstituting the death penalty in cases of capital murder.

HB 1413 would reinstate the death penalty as a sentencing option for individuals convicted of capital murder in New Hampshire, replacing the current requirement of life imprisonment without parole. The bill amends RSA 630:1, III to allow courts to impose the death penalty in such cases, effective January 1, 2027. This change directly affects defendants found guilty of capital murder, who would now face the possibility of execution instead of mandatory life without parole. The bill does not alter the definition of capital murder but modifies sentencing authority for these specific offenses.