RALEIGH – State lawmakers are expected to vote Tuesday on changes to the Racial Justice Act.

A House judiciary committee voted along party lines Monday night to rework the law, which allows death row inmates to challenge their sentences based on claims of racial bias.

Supporters say the changes would specify the length of time racial statistics could be considered. Opponents say lawmakers are trying to repeal the law.

“I think although there is a change of draperies of this bill, it is still a repeal bill and I think it is intended to be a repeal bill, so I would oppose it,” said Ty Hunter, of the Center for Death Penalty Litigation.

Last year, lawmakers were unable to override a veto by Gov, Bev Perdue of a bill to repeal the law.