Bill · H.R. 1556· House(119-HR-1556)
Eric’s Law
- Introduced
- 2/25/2025
- Last activity
- 2/25/2025 — Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
- Sponsored by
- Robert Bresnahan
- Cosponsors
- - 3 - 0
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
This bill, titled "Eric's Law," seeks to amend title 18 of the United States Code. It focuses on cases involving crimes punishable by death. The legislation would require the court to impanel a new jury if the original jury fails to reach a unanimous vote regarding a sentence. This includes recommendations for death, life imprisonment without the possibility of release, or a lesser sentence. If the new jury also fails to reach a unanimous recommendation, the court must impose a sentence other than death that is authorized by law.
Yes
Does this shorten or soften prison sentences?+2
The bill introduces a mechanism to retry the sentencing phase with a new jury if the first jury fails to reach a unanimous recommendation.
Does this protect the right to fair treatment by the courts?+1
The bill provides an additional procedural step for the government to seek a unanimous sentencing recommendation through a new jury.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
- Mandatory New Jury Process: Under Section 2(b), if a jury fails to unanimously recommend a sentence for death, life without parole, or a lesser sentence, the court must order a new special hearing with a new jury upon motion by the government. This ensures that a lack of unanimity does not immediately end the sentencing recommendation process.
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- Requirement to Impose Alternative Sentences: According to Section 2(b)(2), if the newly impaneled jury still fails to reach a unanimous recommendation, the court is required to impose a sentence other than death that is authorized by law.
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Social Issues And Justice
- Improves Criminal Sentencing Reform+2
- Governance And Ideology
- Improves Due Process+1
- 3/14/2025
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 2/25/2025
- Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
- 2 Cosponsors added.
- Introduced in House
One bill Congress.gov lists as related to this one — companions in the other chamber, earlier versions, and bills this one absorbed or was folded into.
Abraham HamadehRepublican · Arizona
Guy ReschenthalerRepublican · Pennsylvania
Glenn ThompsonRepublican · Pennsylvania