(Updated) Death Penalty Repeal Passes Senate Judiciary Committee; NM Senate Floor Next

Update: Voting against the repeal were four Republicans and one Democrat. Five Democrats voted to abolish the death penalty.

Voting Yes
Sen. Cisco McSorley, D-Albuquerque 16
Sen. Tim Eichenberg, D-Albuquerque 15
Sen. Peter Wirth, D-Santa Fe 25
Sen. Linda Lopez, D-Albuquerque 11
Sen. Michael Sanchez, D-Belen 29
Sen. Bernadette Sanchez, D-Albuquerque 26

Voting No
Sen. Richard Martinez, D-Espanola 5
Sen. William Payne, R-Albuquerque 20
Sen. Sander Rue, R-Albuquerque 23
Sen. Clinton Harden, R-Clovis 7
Sen. John Ryan, R-Albuquerque 10
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HB 285, a bill to abolish the death penalty in New Mexico sponsored by Rep. Gail Chasey, received a Do Pass from the Senate Judiciary Committee today by a vote of 6-5. The bill now moves to the Senate Floor. It previously passed the NM House by a 40-28 margin. Gov. Bill Richardson has not said whether he will sign the bill if it's passed, but he has indicated he will consider its merits. In past years, Gov. Richardson said he'd veto the bill if it got to his desk.

This is the most progress a death penalty repeal has made in the NM Legislature during an effort that has lasted more than ten years. HB 285 would replace the death penalty with a sentence of life in prison without the possibility of parole.

To learn more about the death penalty issue and sign up for updates on the legislation, visit the website of the New Mexico Coalition to Repeal the Death Penalty. Supporters are urged to contact their Senator. Click here.