Topeka ? Gov. Kathleen Sebelius signed a bill Friday creating a sentence of life in prison without parole as an alternative to the death penalty in capital murder cases.

Until the law takes effect July 1, the state’s harshest alternative to a death sentence remains 50 years in prison without parole. The “Hard 50” sentence will remain available, but only in non-capital cases.

Proponents of the sentencing alternative saw it as way to avoid costs associated with capital punishment by encouraging juries to recommend non-death sentences. Those supporters have said due-process requirements affirmed by the U.S. Supreme Court create additional costs when a defendant faces execution.

Also, a survey last year of jurors in 11 states suggested many worry about a capital murder defendant being able to leave prison eventually — however remote the possibility.

Thirty-eight states have capital punishment, but only Kansas, New Mexico and Texas lacked the alternative of life without parole.

“It’s an improvement in Kansas criminal law to have it as an option for juries,” Matt All, Sebelius’ chief counsel, said in an interview.

Also Friday, Sebelius signed a bill aimed at stimulating agricultural-themed tourism businesses such as hayrack rides and corn mazes.

The measure, which takes effect July 1, will spare business operators from paying damages if their negligence caused an accident or death. But they would still pay damages if an injury or death is caused by an intentional act or “willful or wanton conduct.”

To get the legal protection, operators would have to register with the Department of Commerce and post warning signs on their property.

Sebelius vetoed a bill last year that offered broader legal protections and lacked the provisionso on registration and signs.

“This is a much, much better bill,” All said. “It’s vastly improved.”

Senate Agriculture Committee Chairman Derek Schmidt, who has worked on the legislation for two years, called the measure “a good compromise.”

“I think it will encourage rural tourism in Kansas,” said Schmidt, R-Independence.

Sebelius also signed a bill that will prohibit someone from serving as a bounty hunter if he or she had been convicted in the previous 10 years of a felony against a person, such as aggravated assault. Also, bounty hunters will have to notify local law enforcement before trying to apprehend a fugitive.

Life without parole is SB 422; agricultural-themed tourism is SB 334; bounty hunter regulation is SB 299.

On the Net:

Kansas Legislature: http://www.kslegslature.org