---
title: 'Many States to Consider Death Penalty Abolition and Reform in 2013'
description: 'As legislative sessions begin across the country, legislators in several states have proposed bills to abolish or reform the death penalty in 2013. In…'
canonical: 'https://deathpenaltyinfo.org/many-states-to-consider-death-penalty-abolition-and-reform-in-2013'
section: news
date: '2013-01-04T17:50:21-05:00'
updated: '2025-03-14T14:34:05-04:00'
source: 'Death Penalty Information Center'
---

! As legislative sessions begin across the country, legislators in several states have proposed bills to abolish or reform the death penalty in 2013. In **Alabama**, Sen. Hank Sanders will introduce bills to abolish the death penalty, or alternatively to institute a series of reforms. “I believe the death penalty is not only unproductive but counter-productive,” he said. **Texas** will also consider a number of death penalty reform bills, including restrictions on certain types of evidence, and the creation of an innocence commission. **Colorado** Sen. Claire Levy is drafting a bill to abolish the death penalty. "We have increasing concerns about the possibility of executing an innocent person," said Levy. **Kentucky** Rep. Carl Rollins plans to propose a bill to replace the death penalty with a sentence of life without parole. In **Maryland**, Gov. Martin O'Malley has voiced support for a bill to end the death penalty and direct some of the money saved to murder victims' families. **New Hampshire's** Gov. Margaret Hassan also supports abolition, and a bill is likely to be introduced in that state. In **Oregon**, where Gov. John Kitzhaber instituted a moratorium on executions for the remainder of his term, Rep. Mitch Greenlick plans to introduce a bill beginning the process of abolishing the death penalty.

(DPIC posted January 4, 2013; various sources: Sanders quote, Anniston Star; Levy quote, Westword.com, both Jan. 3, 2013.) See [**Recent Legislative Activity**](https://deathpenaltyinfo.org/facts-and-research/data/recent-legislative-activity).