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The repeal of the death penalty in Maryland took a step forward yesterday as a Senate committee narrowly approved a bill that would end the use of capital punishment in the state, writes the Post.

The Judicial Proceeding Committee debate the bill yesterday; six members—all Democrats—voted in favor of the repeal measure, while two Democrats joined forces with the panel’s three Republicans in voting against. It was that very committee that in 2009 sunk another attempt at doing away with capital punishment in Maryland, which has five people on death row but hasn’t executed anyone since 2005.

The repeal moves next to the full Senate, where it already has the support of two more members than it needs to pass. The House of Delegates is seen as friendlier territory for the repeal. If it passes—and is approved by voters, should a referendum be called—Maryland would become the 18th state in the country to do away with capital punishment.