Printer Friendly
Email to a Friend
(AP) - Nebraska has abolished the death penalty in a landmark veto-override vote backed by a coalition of conservatives who oppose capital punishment.
Senators in the one-house Legislature voted 30-19 on Wednesday to override Gov. Pete Ricketts, a Republican who supports the death penalty. The vote makes Nebraska the first traditionally conservative state to eliminate the punishment since North Dakota in 1973.
Nebraska joins 18 other states and Washington, D.C., in banning the ultimate punishment.
Some senators say they philosophically support the death penalty but are convinced the state will never carry out another execution because of legal hurdles. Nebraska hasn't executed an inmate since a 1997 electrocution.
The bill was introduced by independent Sen. Ernie Chambers, who has fought for four decades to repeal the death penalty.
© Associated Press
MOST VIEWED STORIES
Accused Atchison Walmart robber arrested Wed
Brown Co man involved in fatal central KS crash
Atchison woman injured in Shawnee Co crash
Rape among charges holding Holton man
Decision made on future of Atchison Co Lake
Familiar name in local radio being remembered
Suspect arrested in Jackson Co vehicle theft
Two arrested after Jackson Co traffic stop
Flags to fly in honor of fallen KS paramedic
U.S. 59 bridge project begins Tuesday in Atchison Co
HCC successfully concludes DOJ settlement agreement
Falls City Council moves forward with bonding for future electrical needs
Update on May 19 SE NE tornado
Atchison's pool to open Saturday; some rates increased
New 3-county extension district formation explored
Local tribes awarded housing grants
Public health advisory issued for Pony Creek Lake
Memorial Day honors planned for Atchison Co vets
LATEST STORIES
Pay increase approved for Mound City teachers
Richardson County Board approves expenditures
Higher unemployment reported in SE Nebraska in April
Wathena sidewalk install beginning
Meeting Wednesday focused on Atchison Co zoning
Local RR enthusiasts gain through BC student
City of Seneca receives positive audit report
Hiawatha, Ks 66434