USA - Alabama. Bill to increase number of witnesses to execution passes Legislature

Bill to increase number of witnesses to execution passes Legislature. The Alabama Legislature passed today a bill that would allow up to 6 immediate family members of a crime victim to witness the perpetrator's execution. The measure would extend the same right to 6 immediate family members of the prisoner who is being put to death. None of the witnesses can be younger than 19. Sen. Harri Anne Smith, R-Slocomb, the bill's Senate sponsor, said she expects Gov. Bob Riley will sign the legislation. Under current law, only 2 immediate family members of a crime victim, and 2 immediate family members of a condemned inmate, can witness that inmate's death by lethal injection. The legislation was sponsored by Rep. Billy Beasley, D-Clayton, in the House and Smith in the Senate.