USA - Virginia. The Senate Courts of Justice Committee voted in favor of bills that would expand the death penalty

The Senate Courts of Justice Committee voted 9-6 in favor of bills that would expand the death penalty allowing it for those who kill on-duty fire marshals and auxiliary police, which are usually part-time or volunteer uniformed officers. The bills, which already have passed the House, head to the full Senate for a vote this week. Virginia allows the death penalty for 15 separate crimes, including killing a law enforcement officer--encompassing everyone from city or state police and sheriff's deputies to game wardens, state lottery inspectors, Alcoholic Beverage Control agents and Department of Motor Vehicle enforcement officers. (see also Feb. 15).