LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — Nebraska Gov. Pete Ricketts has vetoed a bill to abolish the death penalty in the traditionally conservative state, sending it back to lawmakers who will attempt an override.
Nebraska lawmakers passed the bill last week with a veto-proof, 32-15 majority. The Republican governor has been talking to individual senators to try to weaken the support. But the lead sponsor, Sen. Ernie Chambers of Omaha, has said he's confident the bill will maintain enough support for the override.
Nebraska hasn't executed a prisoner since 1997, when the electric chair was used. It hasn't imposed the punishment under the lethal injection process now required by state law.
Maryland was the last state to end capital punishment, in 2013. The last traditionally conservative state to do so was North Dakota in 1973.
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