|
Wash. Post Blog - Senate committee rejects death penalty expansion |
|
By
Anita Kumar
|
February 15, 2010; 12:59 PM ET
The Senate Courts of Justice committee this morning voted against
expanding the use of the death penalty to accomplices of those involved
with first degree murder. Those who pull the trigger are already
subject to the death penalty in Virginia, but not those indirectly
involved with murder. Last year, a veto by former Gov. Tim Kaine (D)
was all that kept the same measure from becoming law, after it passed the Democratic-led senate.
It was widely thought that the senate would likely approve the bill
again this year and it would be signed into law by Gov. Bob McDonnell
(R), who has voiced his approval. But, it appears the so-called
"triggerman" bill will die this year, after a slight change to the
courts committee membership resulted in a 6 to 9 vote. The House of
Delegates has passed the same bill already, but it is likely the Senate
courts committee will reject that measure as well.
There was also a new voice speaking out against the bill: The former executioner of Virginia.
Read More>>
|
