New Hampshire Senate Overrides Governor’s Veto, Repeals Death Penalty

May 30, 2019

Contact Name: Sara Persechino

Phone: (603) 271-3479

Email: Sara.Persechino@leg.state.nh.us

CONCORD—Today the New Hampshire Senate voted 16-8 to override Governor Sununu’s veto of HB 455, effectively repealing the death penalty in New Hampshire. Today’s vote makes New Hampshire the 21st state to abolish capital punishment.

Senate President Donna Soucy and Senate Judiciary Chair Martha Hennessey released the following statements after the vote:

“The death penalty has been an issue every New Hampshire legislator has grappled with over many years. It has been my privilege to speak with my constituents and fellow lawmakers about this important issue and it was a privilege today to join my colleagues in voting to repeal capital punishment in the Granite State,” said Senate President Donna Soucy (D-Manchester). “I commend the advocates who have worked tirelessly on this issue and extend my gratitude to Representative Renny Cushing for his decades of work on this issue in honor of his father and his brother-in-law.”

Senator Martha Hennessey (D-Hanover) added: “I am grateful to the many survivors of murder victims who bravely shared their stories with the Legislature this session, many of whom told us that the death penalty only prolongs the pain and trauma of their loss. I commend the Legislature for voting to end capital punishment in our New Hampshire, a sentence that while infrequently used in our state has proven to be ineffective in reducing violent crime and an inefficient use of our limited criminal justice dollars.”

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