Friday, March 02, 2007

Death penalty for Catholic priests?

According to Paul Burka:
Among the concerns of House members that led to the postponement of the debate on Jessica's Laws was the realization that the death penalty could apply to Catholic priests who have committed two offenses of sexual abuse.
That's an interesting angle, huh?

I've heard from two House committee chairmen today that Rep. Debbie Riddle has agreed to at least some amendments to HB 8 ("Jessica's Law"), but so far everyone's mum on the details. There are quite a few things about the bill that need improving to make this a good law. The Stand Down Texas blog has more insight on machinations behind the bill.

1 comment:

Gritsforbreakfast said...

I haven't heard ANYBODY talk about the expense, but that's a huge pragmatic problem with HB 8.

Capital cases cost taxpayers about $2.3 million apiece. 99 year sentences and no parole mean we're paying for elderly people's chronic healthcare without Medicare's help.

So the Lege should be thinking about the expense, but whatever it is that made them take a few days to mull it over, even kind of a silly angle like this, I'm glad for it.