Politics & Government
NH Death Penalty Remains
After an emotional debate, the NH Senate votes 12-12 on the repeal bill.
The death penalty remains in New Hampshire.
A bill to repeal the state law passed the New Hampshire House of Representatives but failed, on a 12-12 vote, to pass the state Senate on April 17.
For supporters of abolishing the statute, 2014 seemed like the year after a strong 225-104 vote in the House.
Yet, as Senate Majority Leader Jeb Bradley said ahead of the Senate consideration of the vote, the chamber had mixed feelings about the bill. The language of the bill was such that it looked forward, meaning that it would mean nothing to Michael K. Addison, the man convicted of killing Manchester Police Officer Michael Briggs in 2006.
The bill to repeal the death penalty was later tabled.
Gov. Maggie Hassan issued this statement following the Senate deliberation:
"I thank the Legislature for their open, fair and compassionate consideration of this sensitive issue. I know that each Senator listened to all viewpoints and made a difficult decision, and I appreciate the respect they showed for New Hampshire’s democratic process."
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