A Pennsylvania State House panel has approved a bill that would repeal the death penalty. The Judiciary committee voted 15-10 in favor of House Bill 999 to abolish a death penalty law that’s been in effect since 1978. Members who voted for and against the bill said it’s time for a new public debate on the issue. Committee Minority Chairman Rob Kauffman, says he voted against the bill, but that his thinking is evolving on this issue and he would like to see more study of it. Kauffman said he’s concerned that abolishing the death penalty would remove a factor in used in obtaining plea bargains.