State representative files bill to ‘optimize’ death row

State lawmakers will soon discuss House Bill 1647, which would reform Missouri’s execution process.

State Rep. Mike Kelley, R-Lamar, said the bill would require the state Supreme Court to perform a review on all pending death row cases within 30 days of it passing.

The bill would also require the court to schedule an execution within 60 days of the review’s completion.

Kelley said the bill would both save the state about $30,000 a year per inmate. He said it would more effectively carry out the court’s decision to impose the death penalty.

“My goal is not to ever execute anyone that’s innocent. That’s no one’s goal,” Kelley said. “When you have a person who’s admitted they are guilty, once there are no more appeals available, that sentence needs to be carried out.”

There are currently 27 inmates facing the death penalty in Missouri.