Senate President Signs HB 455, Sends Death Penalty Repeal to Governor
CONCORD — On Wednesday, Senate President Donna Soucy signed HB 455, relative to the penalty for capital murder.
The New Hampshire Senate previously voted 17 to 6 to pass a bill to repeal the death penalty. And the House voted 279 to 88 — also reaching a veto-proof majority.
The bill, which would repeal the death penalty in New Hampshire, now awaits action from Governor Sununu, who is expected to veto it. Sen. Donna Soucy (D-Manchester) released the following statement after the signing:
“The death penalty has been an issue every New Hampshire legislator has grappled with over many years. My journey on this topic began twenty-five years ago in an ethics class at Saint Anselm College.
“While our conclusions may differ, I have the utmost respect for my colleagues who have been on similar journeys and for the votes they have cast. At its core, repealing capital punishment is a matter of public policy and conscience. It has been my privilege to speak with my constituents and my fellow lawmakers about this important issue and it was my privilege today to take the historic step of signing the death penalty repeal bill.”
Sununu indicated he will veto the bill: “I will continue to stand with crime victims, members of the law enforcement community, and advocates for justice in opposing this bill.”