Last year, Senator Chambers' proposal to abolish the death penalty and establish life in prison without the possibility of parole failed to pass by one vote.

Senator Chambers has reintroduced the legislation in this, his last legislative session. That bill, LB 1063 has moved from the Judiciary Committee to the full legislature, and debate is scheduled to begin this week.

In addition, the Nebraska Supreme Court ruled this week that the use of the electric chair to carry out a death sentence violates the Nebraska Constitution's prohibition against "cruel and unusual punishment."

It would be extremely difficult for the legislature to get legislation to change the method of execution in Nebraska to the full legislature before the end of the session.

This is an incredible opportunity for us to abolish the death penalty in Nebraska.