The governor says he’s appalled. Death penalty opponents were jubilant. Death penalty supporters are already moving to let voters decide. That, after the Nebraska Legislature voted to override a veto and thereby repeal the death penalty in Nebraska.

After more than two hours of emotional speeches, lawmakers voted 30-19 to repeal capital punishment, making Nebraska the first conservative state to do that in more than forty years.

Nebraska joins 18 other states and the District of Columbia in banning executions.

Supporters of capital punishment are already exploring how to put the issue of the death penalty before Nebraska voters. State Sen. Beau McCoy of Omaha announced the formation of a group called “Nebraskans for Justice” that will look at gathering signatures for a voter referendum on the repeal law.

Senator McCoy says they are also looking at a possible ballot issue to enact a new law permitting capital punishment.