New Jersey lawmakers voted Monday to suspend executions while a task force studies the fairness and costs of imposing the death penalty.
The measure now heads to Gov. Richard J. Codey for his signature. Codey has indicated he will sign it before leaving office on Jan. 17.
A 13-member study commission will have until November to report on whether the death penalty is fairly imposed and whether alternatives would ensure public safety and address the needs of victims' families.
There are 10 prisoners on New Jersey's death row. While capital punishment was reinstated in the state in 1982, the last execution here took place in 1963.
The Assembly passed the measure Monday, 55-21, with two abstentions. The Senate approved it 30-6 last month.
"By its action today, the Assembly joins the Senate in signaling deep concern that the state's death penalty system isn't working," said Celeste Fitzgerald, director of New Jerseyans for Alternatives to the Death Penalty. She said capital punishment is meted out unfairly, wastes money and risks executing the innocent.
Details here from the AP via Newsday.com