Republicans in the state Senate have scheduled a committee meeting to consider a proposal to repeal a 2009 law that North Carolina death row inmates can use to challenge their sentences on grounds of racial bias.
A Senate judiciary committee is set to take up the topic at 2:30 p.m. Monday, The N&O's Anne Blythe reports.
Rep. Paul Stam, a Republican from Apex who was influential in a House vote earlier this year on a bill proposal that essentially guts the law, is scheduled to introduce the proposal.
Last week, district attorneys from across the state asked for repeal of the law, one of only two nationwide, that gives judges an opportunity to consider statistics when reviewing such bias complaints.
All but three of North Carolina's death row inmates have used the new law to seek relief from their sentences. The law specifies that any successful grievances would result in sentences of life in prison without opportunity for parole.
Public defenders, many defense attorneys and death penalty critics have been urging senators to give the new law a chance. Not one complaint filed under the 2009 law has been fully aired in court yet.
The committee meeting sets the stage for a vote in the Senate.
If the full Senate were to vote for the bill, which passed narrowly in 2009 along party lines, Gov. Bev. Perdue could veto it.
Members of the public who wish to speak on the topic must register with the committee assistant prior to the meeting in the Legislative Office Building.
