a House committee has rejected a bill that would have repealed the death penalty.

a House committee has rejected a bill that would have repealed the death penalty.
The State Affairs Committee voted 11-1 to defeat HB1175 after lawmakers said South Dakota citizens clearly support the death penalty.
House Republican Leader Larry Rhoden of Union Center said the death penalty is consistent with respect for the sanctity of life because capital punishment makes sure killers cannot kill again. He said if those who commit the most heinous murders receive life sentences, they could kill other inmates or prison guards.
The committee approved Gov. Mike Rounds' proposal to change state law so prison officials can use whatever mix of drugs is considered best for lethal injections at the time an execution occurs.
The execution of convicted murderer Elijah Page was postponed last summer because state law called for using 2 drugs while the commonly accepted method uses three drugs.
The panel voted 9-1 to approve the bill dealing with which drugs are used in lethal injections.
The State Affairs Committee also voted 9-2 to approve a third measure, HB1160, which would remove the requirement that licensed doctors be involved in executions.