Maryland Legislature passes measure to set up study of death penalty

Published: 2008-03-26

BALTIMORE (CNS) -- Richard J. Dowling, executive director of the Maryland Catholic Conference, praised the Maryland General Assembly for passing legislation to establish a commission that will study the death penalty in Maryland. The Catholic conference is the legislative lobbying arm of Maryland's Catholic bishops. The House of Delegates passed its version of the bill March 21 on an 89-48 vote, and the Senate passed its version a day later on a 32-15 vote. The two versions are expected to be reconciled soon, and Gov. Martin J. O'Malley is likely to sign the measure into law, Dowling said. The commission will be made up of people on both sides of the issue, and it is expected to include representatives from the state's religious community. "We're hopeful this commission will help remove the residual doubts about whether our justice system can be best served by repeal of the death penalty," said Dowling. The commission is expected to hold regional hearings, and Dowling said he is "confident people and interests throughout the state will have their say."

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