Ban OKd on Executing Mentally Retarded Cons

Texas lawmakers passed a bill that would ban the execution of murderers who are found to be mentally retarded.

“This legislation is a major step forward that proves we can be tough on crime and still have compassionate justice, even in the wild, wild West,” said Senate sponsor Rodney Ellis, a Democrat.

Gov. Rick Perry, George W. Bush’s Republican successor, has not said whether he would sign the measure into law. A U.S. Supreme Court ruling on the issue is pending.

Under the bill, a trial jury would determine whether a defendant is mentally retarded. Such a finding would convert a death sentence to life in prison.