Nebraska lawmakers debated and passed a bill that would repeal the state’s death penalty law. Governor Pete Ricketts spoke at a news conference in Omaha before the vote, and says having the death penalty on the books is not more expensive for taxpayers.

Ricketts reminded lawmakers as they debated the repeal of the death penalty that the safety of all Nebraskans has to come first.

Ricketts says Nebraskans are the second house in the state’s legislative process and those that support the current law should let their voices be heard by contacting their state senator. The repeal will be back for more votes on the floor of the legislature.