Virginia’s Senate approved a bill on Feb. 3 that would make Virginia the 23rd state to abolish the death penalty if the measure becomes law. The 21-17 vote in the Democratic-majority chamber was split along party lines, with 21 Democrats for and 17 Republicans against the measure. One lawmaker, Republican state Sen. Bill Stanley, abstained. The bill, SB 1165, sponsored by state Sen. Scott Surovell, a Democrat, now awaits the approval of Gov. Ralph Northam, also a Democrat; Northam has said he supports the legislation. The House of Delegates approved its version of the legislation, HB 2263. The 15-6 vote consisted of two Republicans joining 13 Democrats in favor of the bill. One person abstained. The House bill includes a provision that replaces the death penalty with a life sentence without parole, time off for good behavior, or conditional release. The Senate and House bills will need to reconcile the provision before Northam can …