"Md. Senate to Vote on Death Penalty Repeal Bill," is the AP report, via WNEW-FM.
A measure that would abolish the death penalty in Maryland was advanced Tuesday by state senators after they rejected several amendments proposed by Republican lawmakers to maintain capital punishment in cases of heinous crime.Senators approved the measure on its second reading, moving it a final vote expected Wednesday.
Senators defeated five amendments that would have maintained the death penalty for circumstances involving individuals who hire contract killers, prisoners who commit murder while already serving out sentences of death or life without parole and for criminals who murder teachers or students on the grounds of a school or day-care facility.
And:
If passed, Maryland would become the sixth state in six years to abolish the death penalty and the 18th state to ban it. Connecticut banned it last year. Illinois, New York, New Jersey, and New Mexico also have banned capital punishment in recent years.
Earlier coverage from Maryland begins at the link.
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