Death Penalty Action Alert DATE CHANGE ON DEATH PENALTY EXPANSION BILL + NEW BILL HEARING ADDED PDF Print E-mail
Friday, 28 January 2011 12:22

 Please note that the hearing on HB-147, the so-called "Kimberly Cates" bill in last week's alert, has been changed.
 

 The NEW date:
 
Public Hearing HB 147
Tuesday, February 1
10:00 AM
Representatives Hall in the Statehouse.
(House Criminal Justice & Public Safety Committee)
 
NEW BILL ADDED
But just as critical is HB 162, which will also be heard Feb. 1, starting at 1 pm, Representatives Hall.
 
Background: HB 162 is even more expansive than the "Kimberly Cates" bill. HB 162 bill would make it a capital offense to "purposely" kill another. Under present law, purposely killing another is First Degree Murder, punishable by life without parole. On average, New Hampshire experiences about 25 homicides a year, half of which are charged as First Degree Murder. This bill has the potential to open the flood gates on capital murder prosecutions.
 
Please plan to attend these hearings and sign the sheet in opposition to these terrible bills.
 
If you can't make it to the Statehouse Feb. 1, please make it a point before the hearing to review the membership of the House Criminal Justice & Public Safety Committee and contact members who represent you.
 
See below for more actions you can take on these bills and resources for further reflection, study and information.
 
Thanks to our friends at the NH Coalition to Abolish the Death Penalty for this important information. For more info, see www.nodeathpenaltynh.org
 
Ways to take action:
 
 Attend the hearing
 
  • If you would like to speak, fill out a pink card and give to the committee chair or secretary and be prepared to wait to be called. If you submit written testimony, submit copies for all 21 committee members.
  • You may simply sign in on the bill without testifying. There is a sign-in sheet  in the hearing room, asking if you support or oppose the bill. Make sure you sign that you are opposed to it. Your signature matters. 

Can't attend the hearing?

  • Contact the members of the Criminal Justice and Public Safety Committee before the hearing next Tuesday. Of particular priority are those who represent you. Find contacts here.
  • Write a letter to the editor of your local newspaper
  • Gov. Lynch was recently interviewed on WMUR, saying he would like to hear from NH residents on the death penalty. Contact the governor to support abolition and oppose expansion efforts, 271-2121 or via webform.
     
 
More resources on the Death Penalty:
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Last Updated on Friday, 28 January 2011 13:24
 
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