LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) - Nebraska Gov. Pete Ricketts says his administration is still pursuing lethal injection drugs for executions but will not decide how to proceed until state officials verify the signatures on a petition to keep capital punishment legal.
Ricketts said Tuesday that he first wants to ensure that Nebraskans for the Death Penalty has collected enough valid voter signatures to prevent the law from being repealed.
Nebraska lawmakers voted in May to abolish the death penalty, overriding the governor's veto. Death penalty supporters responded with the petition drive that sought to halt the repeal before it went into effect and place the issue before voters in 2016.
The group announced last week that it had collected nearly 167,000 signatures. At least 113,883 valid signatures are needed to suspend the repeal.
© Associated Press
MOST VIEWED STORIES
Meriden teen injured in Jeff co wreck
Two arrested in rural Horton drug bust
USD 415 board approves resignations, new hires
Fake sports rings seized enroute to Atchison
Early Saturday house fire battled in Atchison
Topeka woman arrested in Jackson Co on drug charges
4th attorney appointed for TX man charged in fatal Jackson Co wreck
Hearing held on USD 115 land transfer petition
Failure to stop, Georgia warrants, hold Atchison man
8-year-old injured in mid-week Atchison wreck
New Mayor appointed for Lancaster
LV man sentenced for teen sexual attack
Lansing inmate dead, investigation continues
K-9 bridge replacement underway in Nemaha County
Motorcyclist injured in Winthrop, MO crash
Hiawatha street repair project approved
LATEST STORIES
Plans set for 2024 Hiawatha Farmers Market
Marysville man sentenced in wife's murder
Wamego man convicted of second fentanyl-related death
Electrical distribution project upgrades for Falls City
NPPD warns downed power lines can be deadly
MHMA Mock Trial Team wins state, heads to natls
Nebraska students taking advantage of dual credit courses
Lansing inmate dead, investigation continues
RELATED STORIES
Death Penalty Debate Continues
Neb Death Penalty Measure Foes Change Name
Neb Looking to Recoup Money From Death Penalty Drug Purchase
Appeal of Neb Death Penalty Repeal Being Considered
Nebraska Looking at Death Penalty Protocol
State Seeking Death Penalty In Tecumseh Prison Death
Nebraska Gov. Keeps Promise to Veto Death Penalty Repeal
Supporters of Nebraska Death Penalty Announce Referendum Campaign
Nebraska Governor Defends Donation To Death Penalty Initiative
Gov. Ricketts Comments on Death Penalty During Falls City Stop