Some Michigan senators have proposed a constitutional amendment to impose the death penalty on offenders convicted of first degree murder for slaying a police or corrections officer.

The law change faces a difficult task, as it would need two thirds support in the state legislature before going on the ballot in November 2016. The resolution is sponsored by Virgil Smith, D-Detroit, and does have backing from two top Republicans in the GOP-controlled senate. Currently, Michigan’s constitution prohibits the death penalty.

In 2004, the house fell short of needed votes to pass a constitutional amendment to allow capital punishment.

Source: WNDU