HLS 10RS-543 ENGROSSED
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CODING: Words in struck through type are deletions from existing law; words underscored
are additions.
Regular Session, 2010
HOUSE BILL NO. 22
BY REPRESENTATIVE BALDONE
CRIMINAL/CAPITAL PUNISH: Deletes the requirement that all witnesses to the
execution of a death sentence shall be La. citizens
AN ACT1
To amend and reenact R.S. 15:570(A)(6), relative to capital punishment; to provide with2
respect to the witnesses present at the execution of a death sentence; and to provide3
for related matters.4
Be it enacted by the Legislature of Louisiana:5
Section 1. R.S. 15:570(A)(6) is hereby amended and reenacted to read as follows:6
ยง570. Execution; officials and witnesses; minors excluded; time; notice to victim's7
relatives8
A. Every execution of the death sentence shall take place in the presence of:9
* * *10
(6) Not less than five nor more than seven other witnesses, all citizens of the11
state of Louisiana.12
* * *13
DIGEST
The digest printed below was prepared by House Legislative Services. It constitutes no part
of the legislative instrument. The keyword, one-liner, abstract, and digest do not constitute
part of the law or proof or indicia of legislative intent. [R.S. 1:13(B) and 24:177(E)]
Baldone HB No. 22
Abstract: Deletes the requirement that all witnesses to the execution of a death sentence
shall be La. citizens.
Present law provides that every execution of the death sentence shall take place in the
presence of the following persons:
(1)The warden of the La. State Penitentiary at Angola, or a competent person selected
by him. HLS 10RS-543 ENGROSSED
HB NO. 22
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CODING: Words in struck through type are deletions from existing law; words underscored
are additions.
(2)The coroner of the parish of West Feliciana, or his deputy.
(3)A physician summoned by the warden of the La. State Penitentiary at Angola.
(4)The operator of the electric chair, who shall be a competent electrician, who shall
have not been previously convicted of a felony, or a competent person selected by
the warden of the La. State Penitentiary to administer the lethal injection.
(5)A priest or minister of the gospel, if requested.
(6)Not less than five nor more than seven other witnesses, all citizens of the state of La.
Proposed law deletes the provision requiring that all witnesses to the execution of a death
sentence shall be La. citizens.
(Amends R.S. 15:570(A)(6))