Group plans push to end the death penalty in Utah next year

SALT LAKE CITY (AP) — A group advocating for the end of Utah's death penalty intends to make another push next year following the failure of a similar effort in 2016.

The Salt Lake Tribune reports that Utah Justice Coalition Executive Director Darcy Van Orden says they already have a sponsor in the state Senate to back a bill on abolishing the death penalty, and they're seeking a backer in the House.

Van Orden discussed the matter with other criminal justice reform advocates during a Tuesday panel session at the University of Utah.

While lawmakers had considered studying the costs of the death penalty in 2016, a bill never reached the House floor.

The last Utah death penalty was carried out in 2010.