Idaho lawmakers are advancing a bill that would establish the firing squad as the primary method of execution in the state. This move comes amid ongoing challenges securing lethal injection drugs and reflects a national trend toward exploring alternative execution methods.
Idaho lawmakers have introduced a bill that would make the firing squad the primary method of execution in the state. Currently, Idaho law designates lethal injection as the primary method, but allows for executions by firing squad if executioners cannot obtain the necessary drugs. The proposed legislation, if passed, would make Idaho the only state in the nation to have the firing squad as its primary execution method.
The state has no prior experience with firing squad executions, and a dedicated facility would need to be constructed for this purpose. Idaho, like several other states, has faced challenges in obtaining lethal injection drugs due to pharmaceutical companies barring the use of their products in executions. As a result, other states have turned to alternative methods, reauthorizing the use of electric chairs or, in Alabama's case, implementing nitrogen gas as a means of execution.State Representative Bruce Skaug, a Republican, introduced the bill to the House Judiciary and Rules Committee on Tuesday. The bill proposes that firing squads be the primary execution method, with lethal injection as a backup option if the firing squad is unavailable. The committee unanimously voted to introduce the bill, according to the Moscow-Pullman Daily News. Newsweek reached out to Skaug and the Idaho Department of Correction for further comment but did not receive an immediate response.Governor Brad Little signed a law in March 2023 authorizing the use of a firing squad if lethal injection proved impossible. This legislation, also sponsored by Skaug, was prompted by repeated delays in executing Gerald Pizzuto Jr. due to the state's inability to acquire lethal injection drugs. The law also allocated $750,000 to either remodel or construct a facility suitable for firing squad executions. Since then, the Idaho Department of Correction has reportedly gained more consistent access to pentobarbital, the state's preferred drug for lethal injections, most recently acquiring a batch in October. However, the state has not successfully carried out any executions since then. In February 2022, the execution of serial killer Thomas Creech was halted when officials couldn't locate a suitable vein for the intravenous line required for lethal injection. Idaho currently has nine individuals on death row – eight men and one woman – according to the IDOC. The state's last execution, of Richard Leavitt, took place on June 12, 2012.Four other states besides Idaho – Mississippi, Oklahoma, South Carolina, and Utah – have laws permitting firing squad executions if other methods are unavailable. However, Utah is the only state to have carried out executions by firing squad since 1976, according to the Death Penalty Information Center. The state has executed three individuals using this method, most recently Ronnie Lee Gardner on June 18, 2010. Representative Skaug expressed his view on the bill, stating, 'I see this bill as being less problematic with appeals in the courts. Essentially, if you don't have the bullets, then you go to the pentobarbital.' He clarified that the bill's focus is not on the morality of the death penalty, as that has already been determined by law, but rather on ensuring the most efficient execution process within constitutional limits. State Representative Chris Mathias, a Democrat, voiced his opposition, stating that he remains concerned about the state's involvement in 'retributive killing' and will continue to express this sentiment during the upcoming hearing.The bill will return to the committee for a public hearing at a later date. If approved, the law would take effect in July 2026, allowing sufficient time for the construction of a firing squad execution facility. Skaug stated that this timeframe is necessary to ensure a smooth transition to the new execution method
EXECUTIONS IDAHO FIRING SQUAD DEATH PENALTY LEGISLATION DRUG SHORTAGES
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Idaho Lawmakers Seek to Overturn Same-Sex Marriage RulingIdaho Representative Heather Scott introduced a memorial urging the U.S. Supreme Court to reinstate bans on same-sex marriage, claiming the Obergefell v. Hodges decision overstepped state authority. The proposal, though not legally binding, reflects the legislature's stance on the issue.
Read more »
Idaho Lawmakers Push for Reversal of Same-Sex Marriage LegalizationIdaho Representative Heather Scott has introduced a memorial urging the U.S. Supreme Court to overturn the Obergefell v. Hodges decision, which legalized same-sex marriage nationwide. The proposal argues that the decision usurped state authority over marriage laws.
Read more »
Alabama Lawmakers Propose Fines for Students Who Violate Cell Phone Rules in ClassroomsA bill proposed in Alabama would fine students who repeatedly break cell phone rules in class. The bill aims to address the growing concern about cell phone use disrupting learning and impacting student engagement. The legislation would require the state Board of Education to develop a model policy for schools to adopt, including escalating disciplinary measures, such as fines for repeat offenders.
Read more »
Maryland Lawmakers Propose School Safety Measures After Fox45 InvestigationFollowing a Fox45 News investigation revealing a suspected murderer was enrolled in two local high schools without authorities being informed, Maryland legislators are pushing for bills to enhance student safety. State Delegate Mike Griffith aims to expand reportable offenses and empower state's attorneys to notify schools about suspected violent felonies. Delegate Nino Mangione proposes the 'Student Protection Act of 2025,' which would restrict in-person attendance for students suspected of violent crimes until investigations conclude.
Read more »
Lawmakers Propose Renaming Gulf of Mexico to 'Gulf of America'Two Republican Representatives have introduced a bill to rename the Gulf of Mexico to the 'Gulf of America'.
Read more »
Florida Lawmakers Propose Bill Affecting Municipal Water RatesA new bill filed in the Florida Legislature proposes that local governments charge the same rates for water and sewer treatment services to customers residing in different municipalities if they utilize a plant within that government's jurisdiction. The bill, known as House Bill 13, aims to standardize water rate practices across municipalities.
Read more »