Allowing death penalty for intentionally killing law-enforcement officer or first responder in line of duty

Created new aggravating circumstance requiring intentional killing of law enforcement officers or emergency responders in the performance of official duties, with specific definitions for both terms.

Repealed previous death penalty provisions that allowed capital punishment for first-degree murder without the specific law enforcement victim requirement.

Established mandatory automatic review of death penalty sentences by the Supreme Court of Appeals to ensure the sentence was not influenced by passion, prejudice, or arbitrary factors.

Authorized forensic DNA testing in death penalty cases with state funding for indigent applicants when testing may produce exculpatory evidence.

Transferred authority for carrying out death sentences from the penitentiary to the Division of Corrections and Rehabilitation, with the warden or Commissioner serving as executioner.

Defined 'emergency responder' to include paid or volunteer firefighters, emergency services personnel, and those authorized to respond to public safety or emergency medical calls.