LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — A coalition of Nebraska lawmakers says the state's death penalty conflicts with conservative values and should be repealed.
Seven Republican senators announced Wednesday they support a bill to repeal the capital punishment law, saying any other program so costly and inefficient would have been eliminated by the Republican-dominated legislature years ago.
Lincoln Sen. Colby Coash says capital punishment wastes tax money on appeals, especially since the state lacks the drug to carry out executions.
Bellevue Sen. Tommy Garrett says it gives government the "power to play God," which conflicts with his beliefs.
The Legislature is expected to debate the repeal Thursday. If it passes, senators would likely have to override a veto by Republican Gov. Pete Ricketts, who supports the state's death penalty.
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The bill is LB268
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