A Pennsylvania House committee approved a bipartisan push to abolish the death penalty, moving two bills forward that would end capital punishment for first-degree murder.
According to a SpotlightPa article, proponents argue the system is fiscally irresponsible and prone to error, citing more than 190 nationwide exonerations and an $816 million taxpayer burden since 1978. While opponents expressed concerns regarding justice for victims, supporters pointed to research showing no deterrent effect and a history of inconsistent application.
Though Pennsylvania currently holds 95 inmates on death row, the state hasn’t carried out an execution since 1999 due to an ongoing moratorium.
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