http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dallas/tsw/stories/042303dntexdeath.3c08f.html
The Texas legislature seemingly has killed the idea of giving juries in death penalty cases the option of imposing sentences of life in prison with no possibility of parole. A proposal to allow such sentences failed by one vote to qualify for debate in the Senate. Sponsor Eddie Lucio, D-Brownsville, called the bill “is a tough-on-crime measure because it enhances the ability of juries.” Many prosecutors opposed it, questioning whether it would open the state to more death-row appeals.
Sen. Todd Staples, R-Palestine, said that a 40-year term now authorized by law was a sufficient alternative to the death penalty. Life-without-parole would mean the state would be left caring for geriatric prisoners, he said
Link: http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dallas/tsw/stories/042303dntexdeath.3c08f.html