Arkansas could potentially resume executions if Gov. Sarah Sanders signs HB 1489 into law, which would allow for nitrogen gas executions. The bill, sponsored by Rep. Jeff Wardlaw and Sen. Blake Johnson, has already been approved by the State Legislature. Sanders has expressed her intention to sign the bill, stating that nitrogen gas seems to be the best option for carrying out death sentences.
Arkansas has not executed a death row inmate since 2017, due to a lack of available lethal injection drugs. Nitrogen gas executions have been conducted in other states, and Arkansas could potentially join this list. There are currently 25 inmates on death row in the state, with 11 of them having exhausted their appeals.
HB 1489 outlines the process for carrying out executions in Arkansas, including the use of nitrogen gas or electrocution if other methods are invalidated. Attorney General Tim Griffin has been involved in reviewing the bill, stating that his role is to ensure the legality and constitutionality of the process.
The history of executions in Arkansas dates back to 1820, with a total of 200 executions having been carried out since then. Gov. Winthrop Rockefeller declared a moratorium on executions in 1967, with the state resuming executions in 1990. Executions in Arkansas take place at the Cummins Unit near Grady.
If signed into law, HB 1489 could mark a new era for executions in Arkansas, using nitrogen gas as a method of carrying out death sentences.
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