Repeal of Virginia's death penalty headed to governor's desk State lawmakers have given final approval to a bill ending capital punishment in Virginia Lawmakers vote to repeal death penalty in Virginia, historically a hot spot for capital punishmentHistorically, Virginia has used the death penalty more than any other state. Gov. Ralph Northam has said he will sign the measure into law. Virginia lawmakers send death penalty ban to governor, who plans to sign itVirginia's state Senate on Monday passed a bill already approved approved by the House of Delegates that would make the state the 23rd in the nation to ban the death penalty, Virginia lawmakers approve bill to end use of death penaltyThe governor of Virginia was expected to sign a bill that will end the use of the death penalty after state lawmakers gave the legislation their final approval on Monday.