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Subj: Neb. OKs Moratorium on Executions Date: 5/20/99 12:14:53 PM Central Daylight Time From: AOL News Neb. OKs Moratorium on Executions .c The Associated Press By KEVIN O'HANLON LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) -- The Nebraska Legislature today became the first in the nation to place a moratorium on executions. The bill would put a two-year ban on executions while a study is done to see if the death penalty is being applied fairly in the state. Death sentences could be imposed during the two years, but no executions would take place. The one-chamber, nonpartisan Legislature approved the bill on a vote of 27-21 -- two more than the 25 needed to pass it. A Republican and Catholic in his first year in office, Gov. Mike Johanns must decide whether to maintain his longtime stance in favor of the death penalty and veto the bill, or sign it into law and jostle his party's platform. He could also let it become law automatically without his signature. Johanns said he will consider the measure over the next several days. He indicated he likely wouldn't let it become law without his signature. ``I think I'm here for a purpose. I think I'm here to make difficult decisions,'' he said. ``With the unicameral system -- which is of course unique in the country -- the checks and balances is with the governor's office.'' The governor reiterated his support of the death penalty: ``I think it has a place in the criminal justice system.'' The American Bar Association and the National Conference of Catholic Bishops have called for such moratoriums. Other states have considered them but have not approved legislation, said the Death Penalty Information Center, an anti-death penalty group in Washington. (snip)
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