At the end of February, Colorado’s legislature voted to repeal the state’s death penalty. The governor is expected to sign the bill within the next week, and the legislation would go into affect on July 1st. Once these actions occur, Colorado will become the 22nd state to repeal its use of capital punishment. Combined with three other states that have moratoriums in place, that brings the grand total to 25 states without the death penalty. We’ve officially hit a tipping point and half the country has turned away from this antiquated practice in favor of systems that actually protect human life, deter crime, and use taxpayer dollars wisely. Who will be next? It’s quickly becoming a question of if and not when several other states considering this action will move. Colorado’s neighbors, Wyoming and Utah, are both at its heels and may pursue similar actions soon. In the meantime, Colorado deserves praise for taking this monumental step forward. 

The Colorado state senate has voted 19 to 13 to pass legislation that will repeal the state’s death penalty statute. The senate has, for many years, been the hold-up on such passage.  Republican Senators Jack Tate, Owen Hill, and Kevin Priola were all sponsors of the bill. Now, the bill will go to the state house, which is expected to present an easier pathway forward.  The job is not done, but Colorado is well on its way to being the 22nd state to repeal the death penalty. Read more here.