A bill was introduced in the Kansas Senate today that would impose a two-year moratorium on the death penalty and appoint a commission to study the state's capital murder law.

Cost is said to be a factor--it costs over $1 million for court appointed counsel to defend a capital case, and another $1 million to prosecute.

Among the issues to be studied by the proposed commission are:

"-- Whether the race of the victim or defendant plays a role in bringing capital murder charges;

-- Whether there are disparities across the state in the way capital murder cases are handled;

-- What are the total costs to the state and local governments for capital murder cases;

-- Whether changes are needed in the law to ensure that no innocent person is condemned."

The commission would consist of seven members appointed by the Kansas Supreme Court Chief Justice, the Governor and legislative leaders.