A bill abolishing the death penalty is

expected to face a close vote in the Kansas Senate.

The measure was on the Senate’s debate calendar for Friday.

It would replace the state’s 1994 death penalty law and provide

for a sentence of life in prison without parole.

Ten men are now under sentence of death in Kansas. The state’s

last execution was in 1965.

Supporters say the bill reflects a public desire to abolish

capital punishment for various reasons, including the flawed

administration of the death penalty nationwide. They also say there

are alternatives that still protect public safety.

Opponents say the law is narrowly applied to the worst criminals

and is working to protect the public.

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Death penalty repeal is SB 375.