USA - Virginia. Senate Committee approves one death penalty expansion bill

The Senate Courts of Justice Committee  has approved 9-6 a bill to allow those who kill auxiliary police officers (usually part-time or volunteer officers) to be sentenced to death. A similar measure also has passed out of the House. It also passed out of the General Assembly last year but was vetoed by former Gov. Timothy M. Kaine. Gov. Bob McDonnell, a Republican who took office last month, has said he would sign it into law if given the chance.