Legislator Proposes Electric Chair Use
An Alabama legislator is proposing to bring back the electric chair.
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The proposal would let Alabama use the electric chair for executions if the state is unable to get the drugs needed for a lethal injection.
Republican Senator Cam Ward of Alabaster filed the bill ahead of the legislative session that begins March 3.
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Alabama switched from the electric chair to lethal injection in 2002 as the state’s primary form of capital punishment. However, Alabama has not executed an inmate since 2013 because of a drug shortage.
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Alabama is seeking to resume executions with a new drug combination. Inmates have filed lawsuits challenging the new procedure as cruel and unusual punishment.
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Ward’s proposal would also let the state use the electric chair if lethal injection procedures are ruled unconstitutional.
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