Families of murder victims and opponents of capital punishment spoke out in support of a measure to abolish the death penalty in Washington, saying that a costly and drawn out appeals process only prolongs the pain of the crime.
More than a dozen people testified Wednesday before a House committee in favor of House Bill 1739, which would eliminate capital punishment and replace it with life in prison, with no opportunity for parole.
The measure comes following Gov. Jay Inslee's decision last year to impose a moratorium on capital punishment. Inslee, who was criticized last year by several Republican lawmakers over his moratorium decision, has said he supports the bill.
The bill is scheduled to be voted on by the committee on Thursday.