USA - Arkansas. Senate approves changes in death penalty law

Senate approves changes in death penalty law. The state Senate approved a bill that its sponsors claim will overcome the state Supreme Court's concerns about how Arkansas executes prisoners. On a 33-0 vote, senators approved revisions to the state's injection procedures, including naming a chemical to be used. The new proposal by Sen. Bart Hester, R-Carve Springs, would require the state to carry out death sentences with a lethal dose of a barbiturate.A 2009 law let the Correction Department director pick the drug. Justices threw out the law last year (see June 22), ruling the state constitution required the Legislature to make the decision. Arkansas has not put anyone to death since 2005. Gov. Mike Beebe said he would sign a bill outlawing executions, but no such bill is expected. The measure now heads to the House Judiciary Committee.