State Lawmakers Consider Bill to Abolish Death Penalty - Spokane, North Idaho News & Weather KHQ.com

Washington State Lawmakers Consider Bill to Abolish Death Penalty

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Rachel Hoops, Newscast Producer - email

OLYMPIA, Wash. -- Bills to abolish the death penalty in Washington State have been introduced several times over the past few years, but they haven't gathered much support.

This year's bill to overturn capital punishment will receive a public hearing on Wednesday.

Republican Rep. Maureen Walsh of Walla Walla and 20 other lawmakers are co-sponsoring the bill.
    
The death penalty is currently used by the federal government and 33 states, including Washington.
    
Since 1904, 78 men have been put to death in Washington. Eight men are on death row at the state penitentiary.
    

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