NH House voting whether to expand death penalty

The Criminal Justice and Public Safety Committee recommends passing the bill to the Senate.

State law currently allows prosecutors to seek the death penalty under seven circumstances: the murder of an on-duty law enforcement officer or judge; murder for hire; murder committed in connection with a rape or kidnapping; murder committed during certain drug offenses; murder committed while the defendant is already serving a life sentence; and murder during a burglary or home invasion.

The bill does not require prosecutors to pursue a death sentence, but gives them the option.

The House could vote on it as early as this week.