Death penalty authorization and framework for the imposition of the death penalty

SF 3781 would authorize the death penalty for specific first-degree murder cases in Minnesota, including murders of judges, multiple murders, murders for hire, or murders of children under six. The bill requires prosecutors to notify defendants early if seeking the death penalty and mandates two experienced attorneys for defendants facing capital charges. It establishes a separate sentencing hearing to determine if the death penalty applies, requires courts to consider DNA evidence, and prohibits the death penalty for offenders under 18 at the time of the crime. This framework would directly affect defendants convicted of qualifying capital offenses and the state's legal process for handling such cases.