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Utah Senate debate spotlights costs and process of capital punishment as members take up SB189
Summary
Senators opened a substantial floor debate on SB189 (death-penalty amendments), with proponents of repeal stressing high costs and prolonged appeals. A motion was made to read SB189 for a third time; further action was pending at recess.
Senators debated Senate Bill 189, a measure addressing death-penalty amendments, in a session notable for stark policy arguments about cost, victim closure and the criminal-justice process.
A senator supporting repeal told colleagues that each execution imposes an additional cost on the state and argued the repeated appeals and long pre-execution detention prolong victim families’ trauma. "Every prisoner who is put to death costs the state an extra $1,600,000," a senator said on the floor while urging colleagues to consider alternative punishments that could provide faster resolution for victims’ families.
The body also handled procedural matters: senators moved to uncircle SB189 and later a member moved that SB189 be read for a third time to advance consideration. The session included a call for a division to secure full participation before continuing, and clerks worked to bring senators back for a roll call.
Next steps: The transcript ends with moves to read for a third time and procedural activities; final passage or disposition for SB189 was not recorded in the provided excerpts. Sponsors and opponents signaled a continued and deeply felt debate on the policy and budgetary implications of the death penalty.
Source: On-the-record Senate floor debate and procedural filings during the session.
