Florida Gov. approves overhaul of death penalty law

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) – Florida Gov. Rick Scott is swiftly moving ahead with an overhaul of the state’s death penalty law.

The Florida Legislature last week passed a bill requiring at least 10 out of 12 jurors recommend execution in order for it be carried out. Florida previously required that a majority of jurors recommend death sentences.

Spokeswoman Jackie Schultz says the governor signed the bill Monday.

The measure includes other changes that lawmakers hope will resolve lingering legal questions and open the door to the state resuming executions.

The U.S. Supreme Court ruled the current law unconstitutional in January, saying it allows judges to reach a different decision than juries, which have only an advisory role in recommending death.

The new law prohibits a judge from imposing the death penalty if the jury doesn’t recommend it.