HB 454 abolishes the death penalty by amending the Penal Code and the Code of Criminal Procedure to eliminate capital punishment as a sentencing option for capital felonies. The bill replaces the death penalty with life imprisonment without parole for individuals aged 18 or older and life imprisonment for those under 18 at the time of the offense. It also removes procedural elements specific to death penalty cases, including jury selection for death penalty trials, sentencing hearings to determine capital punishment, and appeals exclusive to capital cases. These changes apply to criminal actions commenced, on appeal, or pending after the act’s effective date. The legislation takes effect immediately if it receives a two-thirds vote in each legislative chamber or on September 1, 2025, otherwise.