Democratic Gov. Martin O’Malley of Maryland is preparing to unveil a measure that would ban the death penalty in his state. O’Malley made the announcement in an appearance with leaders of the NAACP.

Gov. Martin O’Malley: “The death penalty is expensive, and it does not work, and for that reason alone, I believe we should stop doing it. This week, once again, I will be filing legislation to repeal the death penalty in Maryland.”

If the ban is approved, Maryland would become the 18th state to abolish capital punishment.