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CHEYENNE, Wyo. (AP) — A proposal to end the death penalty in Wyoming has been passed by the state House of Representatives.

House Bill 145 was approved on a 36-21 vote Friday and sent to the Senate for more debate.

Supporters of the bill say repealing the death penalty would save local and state government money by not having to hire staff attorneys and other experts for potential death penalty cases and other expenses.

In addition, they don't approve of government sanctioned killing.

Opponents say the death penalty is a deterrent and a just punishment for horrific crimes.

Wyoming is among 31 states that still has a death penalty. However, no one has been executed in Wyoming since 1992 and no one is currently on death row.