Virginia moves closer to abolishing the death penalty
and last updated 2021-01-19 07:03:25-05
RICHMOND, Va. Considered the ultimate punishment, the death penalty may soon no longer be an option for Virginiaâs juries and prosecutors.
With a 10-4 vote, the Senate Judiciary Committee advanced S.B. 1165 on Monday.
One Republican joined nine Democrats to move the bill to the Senate Finance and Appropriations Committee.
Sen. Scott Surovell (D-Mount Vernon) sponsored the bill that, if signed into law, would abolish the death penalty including for those currently under a death sentence.
Sen. Bill Stanley (R-Glade Hill) is the chief co-patron of the legislation.