Death penalty foes are pushing for a law to allow defendants to argue their sentences were racially biased.

But to get the bill approved, they may have to accept a move to allow executions after a yearlong delay.

Legislators hope to end the session by Friday, and capital punishment is one of a handful of issues they will debate in the remaining days.

"There's a lot of mischief that comes out the last few weeks," said lobbyist Andy Dedmon.

Senate Democrats are considering passing a measure aimed at addressing racial bias in death penalty cases. The House already approved a bill that would allow murder defendants to use statistical evidence to suggest race was a factor.

But Senate Republicans may attach a measure to the bill to allow executions to resume. (N&O)