By Alabama Public Radio
Montgomery, AL – A state Senate committee has again voted to place a moratorium on executions in Alabama. The Senate Judiciary Committee approved Senator Hank Sanders bill yesterday. It would institute a three-year moratorium while procedures are implemented to eliminate any discrimination in capital sentencing. It's the second year in a row the committee has passed the bill. But last year, it died without ever coming up for a vote in the Senate. Sanders says interest in the issue is growing this year, and he credits The Birmingham News for greater awareness. The newspaper has taken a public stand against capital punishment. Sanders' bill now awaits consideration in the Senate.