H.R. 1556 — Eric’s Law

This section amends federal capital sentencing procedures to (1) add as a ground for impaneling a new sentencing jury when a new special hearing is required under new subsection (g) (18 U.S.C. §3593(b)(2)(E)); and (2) require the court, upon motion of the government, to order a new special hearing and jury if the initial sentencing jury fails to unanimously recommend death, life imprisonment without possibility of release, or a lesser sentence, with the court to impose a sentence other than death authorized by law if the second jury also fails to reach unanimity. (As background, current law provides for a separate sentencing hearing in federal death penalty cases after a notice of intent to seek death and aggravating factors; absent a unanimous jury recommendation of death, the sentence is life imprisonment without possibility of release.)