Hartford – The state House of Representatives started debate this afternoon on legislation that would end the death penalty in Connecticut.

The bill, which cleared the Senate last week on a 20 to 16 vote, calls for abolishing the death penalty for future convictions, but not for the 11 inmates currently on the state's death row. It would substitute life imprisonment without the possibility of release for the death penalty.

The repeal legislation is expected to pass tonight, despite anticipated "nay" votes from Rep. Ernest Hewett, D-New London and Rep. Steve Mikutel, D-Griswold.