Gov. Ralph Northam will be introducing a bill to abolish the death penalty that, if successful, would make Virginia the first Southern state to end capital punishment.
By FRANK GREEN | Richmond Times-Dispatch
Gov. Ralph Northam will be introducing a bill to abolish the death penalty that, if successful, would make Virginia the first Southern state to end capital punishment.
âI understand about timing and I suspect this is the year to end the death penalty in Virginia,â Northam told the Richmond Times-Dispatch on Tuesday.
âIâve felt strongly about this for a long time,â the governor said. âWeâve been doing so much good work on equity, especially criminal justice reform, and we have the majority in the House and the Senate.â
Although abolition bills have been introduced in the General Assembly frequently in recent decades, this appears to be the first time one will be introduced by a governor. This yearâs regular session begins Wednesday.