Allowing Additional Execution Methods (SB 11, HB 1119)

While SB 11 and HB 1119 failed, language could be inserted into other bills before the end of session. We are monitoring the status and will continue to provide updates.

SB 11: Firing Squad, authored by Sen. Michael Young, Sen. Chris Garten, Sen. James Tomes
Status: Failed

HB 1119: Execution methods, authored by Rep. Jim Lucas
Status: Failed

These bills represent a disturbing and barbaric escalation of state power. Instead of shifting away from capital punishment, both bills would allow the state to execute people by firing squad under certain conditions. HB 1119 originally allowed the use of nitrogen hypoxia – which causes suffocation, but this was amended out.

Both bills would allow these violent execution methods to be implemented behind a veil of secrecy that would make it practically impossible to investigate mistakes, unsafe practices, or constitutional violations. We oppose these bills because they are inhumane and push Indiana further down the path of expanding the death penalty — a cruel, irreversible practice that should be abolished.