Utah HB0495 amends capital felony case procedures, including competency evaluations, appeals, and postconviction relief.

Utah HB0495 modifies procedures for capital felony cases, focusing on competency evaluations, appeals, and postconviction relief. It defines terms, clarifies sentencing proceedings, and requires courts to advise defendants of their right to a direct appeal and postconviction relief. The bill mandates the appointment of appellate counsel for defendants sentenced to death and modifies the automatic review process. It also addresses the priority of capital felony cases, the extension of competency reports, and the appointment of psychologists to determine intellectual disability.

Utah HB0495 amends capital felony case procedures, including competency evaluations, appeals, and postconviction relief.

Utah HB0495 modifies procedures for capital felony cases, focusing on competency evaluations, appeals, and postconviction relief. It defines terms, clarifies sentencing proceedings, and requires courts to advise defendants of their right to a direct appeal and postconviction relief. The bill mandates the appointment of appellate counsel for defendants sentenced to death and modifies the automatic review process. It also addresses the priority of capital felony cases, the extension of competency reports, and the appointment of psychologists to determine intellectual disability.