A Nebraska senator who fought for decades to abolish the death penalty is trying again, arguing that the statewide vote to reinstate capital punishment doesn’t make it right.
Senator Ernie Chambers of Omaha presented his repeal bill to a legislative committee. It’s unlikely to pass, but Chambers says a popular vote should not decide issues, such as capital punishment.
Lawmakers abolished the death penalty in 2015, overriding Governor Pete Ricketts’ veto. Death penalty supporters responded with a ballot petition drive, partially financed by Ricketts. Voters overturned the Legislature’s decision and restored the punishment in November.
Nebraska’s corrections department recently changed its lethal injection protocol after years of failed attempts to obtain the necessary drugs. Another bill would let the state hide the identity of its suppliers.
