USA - New Mexico. The House Consumer and Public Affairs Committee voted 5-2 to pass House Bill 285, which would abolish the death penalty

The House Consumer and Public Affairs Committee voted 5-2 to give a do-pass recommendation to House Bill 285, which would abolish the death penalty and replace it with life in prison without possibility of parole. The committee's vote -- a straight-party vote with Democrats voting yes and Republicans voting no -- was no surprise. The committee has given the bill the go-ahead whenever it has been introduced in at least the last 9 sessions. In recent years, the entire House has passed the bill only to have it die in the Senate Judiciary Committee. However, bill sponsor Rep. Gail Chasey, said after the vote that she's confident the bill will make it through Senate Judiciary this year. Even if it passes the Legislature, a big question remains whether Gov. Bill Richardson would sign it. He has said in the past he supports capital punishment. Advocates hope that since he no longer is running for president, Richardson will have a change of heart. New Mexico has executed just 1 person since 1960. There currently are only 2 persons on death row in New Mexico. Their sentences wouldn't be affected even if HB 285 is signed into law.