Arizona Death Penalty Expansion Legislation Goes to Governor

"Bill making smugglers eligible for death passes in Arizona," is the AP report, via KTAR-FM.

The Arizona Legislature has approved a bill that could make human smugglers convicted of murder eligible for the death penalty, sending it to Gov. Jan Brewer for action.

The House approved the bill on a 36-23 vote on Tuesday. The Senate approved House Bill 2313 with a 19-9 vote earlier in the day.

The bill by Republican Rep. Justin Pierce of Mesa adds smuggling or participating in or assisting a human smuggling organization to the list of crimes eligible for the death penalty.

Earlier coverage of the legislation begins at the link.