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Bill > HB1489

AR HB1489

AR HB1489
To Amend The Method Of Execution To Include Nitrogen Gas.

summary

Introduced
02/14/2025
In Committee
03/10/2025
Crossed Over
03/04/2025
Passed
03/12/2025
Dead
Signed/Enacted/Adopted
03/18/2025

Introduced Session

95th General Assembly (2025 Regular)

Bill Summary

AN ACT TO AMEND THE METHOD OF EXECUTION TO INCLUDE NITROGEN GAS; AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES.

AI Summary

This bill amends Arkansas state law to add nitrogen gas as an alternative method of execution for death row inmates, alongside the existing lethal injection protocol. The bill modifies several sections of Arkansas Code to provide the Director of the Division of Correction with the option to execute a death sentence either through intravenous lethal injection or nitrogen gas. Key provisions include requiring the director to provide written notice to the condemned prisoner within seven days of receiving an execution warrant, specifying the method of execution and, in the case of lethal injection, the specific drugs to be used. The bill maintains existing requirements for drug sourcing and sterilization and adds provisions to protect the identities of individuals involved in the execution process. It also includes a clause stating that a death sentence cannot be reduced if a method of execution is found unconstitutional, and the sentence remains in force until it can be lawfully executed. Additionally, the bill provides immunity for personnel involved in carrying out the execution and continues to classify unauthorized disclosure of execution-related information as a Class D felony. The amendment reflects an ongoing effort to provide alternative methods of capital punishment in response to challenges in obtaining lethal injection drugs and potential constitutional concerns.

Committee Categories

Justice

Sponsors (66)

Blake Johnson (R)*,  Jeff Wardlaw (R)*,  Wade Andrews (R),  Sonia Barker (R),  Howard Beaty (R),  Rick Beck (R),  Stan Berry (R),  Harlan Breaux (R),  Karilyn Brown (R),  Matt Brown (R),  Ron Caldwell (R),  Joey Carr (R),  John Carr (R),  Fran Cavenaugh (R),  Paul Childress (R),  Bruce Cozart (R),  Steve Crowell (R),  Tyler Dees (R),  Jim Dotson (R),  Matt Duffield (R),  Jane English (R),  Jon Eubanks (R),  Scott Flippo (R),  Tony Furman (R),  Ben Gilmore (R),  Justin Gonzales (R),  Brad Hall (R),  Kim Hammer (R),  R.J. Hawk (R),  Bart Hester (R),  Ricky Hill (R),  Steve Hollowell (R),  Missy Irvin (R),  Lane Jean (R),  Lee Johnson (R),  Mark Johnson (R),  Jack Ladyman (R),  Wayne Long (R),  Robin Lundstrum (R),  Roger Lynch (R),  Rick McClure (R),  Austin McCollum (R),  Mark McElroy (R),  Richard McGrew (R),  Matt McKee (R),  Ron McNair (R),  Jon Milligan (R),  Jeremiah Moore (R),  Jason Nazarenko (R),  Stetson Painter (R),  John Payton (R),  Aaron Pilkington (R),  Chad Puryear (R),  David Ray (R),  Terry Rice (R),  Scott Richardson (R),  Marcus Richmond (R),  Johnny Rye (R),  Matt Stone (R),  Gary Stubblefield (R),  Dan Sullivan (R),  Randy Torres (R),  Kendon Underwood (R),  DeAnn Vaught (R),  Steven Walker (R),  Dave Wallace (R), 

Last Action

Notification that HB1489 is now Act 302 (on 03/18/2025)

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