An Act relative to capital punishment for the murder of law enforcement officers

This bill proposes adding a new crime of capital murder in Massachusetts specifically for the intentional killing of law enforcement officers, including correction officers, police, sheriffs, and deputy sheriffs. It applies to adults who kill these officers while they are working or as retaliation for their work, or whose deaths result from reckless violent acts. If convicted, the offender would face the death penalty or life in prison without the possibility of parole. The legislation also establishes a mandatory pre-sentence hearing where a jury reviews aggravating and mitigating factors to determine the final punishment.