HLS 14RS-4419 ORIGINAL
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Regular Session, 2014
HOUSE RESOLUTION NO. 136
BY REPRESENTATIVE LOPINTO
CORRECTIONS: Directs the Department of Public Safety and Corrections to study the
different methods of administering the death penalty
A RESOLUTION1
To direct the Department of Public Safety and Corrections to study and make2
recommendations relative to the different forms of execution and the methods of3
execution to determine the best practices for administering the death penalty in the4
most humane manner.5
WHEREAS, the United States Supreme Court has ruled that capital punishment is6
not a per se violation of the Eighth Amendment to the United States Constitution; and7
WHEREAS, as a matter of public policy, the Louisiana Legislature has determined8
that a sentence of death is appropriate for certain offenses, including first degree murder and9
treason; and10
WHEREAS, prior to 1991, the only method of execution which was authorized by11
law was by electrocution; and12
WHEREAS, since 1991, the only method of execution which is authorized by law13
is by lethal injection; and14
WHEREAS, the ability to obtain the drugs necessary to execute a sentence of death15
by lethal injection has become difficult in recent years; and16
WHEREAS, the ability to execute a sentence of death is therefore controlled by the17
availability of those drugs; and18
WHEREAS, investigating other methods of execution is necessary to address this19
issue; and20 HLS 14RS-4419 ORIGINAL
HR NO. 136
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WHEREAS, there is a need to study the best practices in the administration of the1
death penalty.2
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the House of Representatives of the3
Legislature of Louisiana does hereby direct the Department of Public Safety and Corrections4
to study different methods of execution, including but not limited to firing squads, inert gas,5
electrocution, hanging, and lethal injection to determine the best practices for administering6
the death penalty in the most humane manner.7
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that this study shall include recommendations for the8
procedures and protocols for the administration of the death penalty.9
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Department of Public Safety and Corrections10
shall issue a written report to the House Committee on the Administration of Criminal11
Justice detailing their findings no later than January 1, 2015.12
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this Resolution be transmitted to the13
secretary of the Department of Public Safety and Corrections.14
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)]
Lopinto HR No. 136
Directs the Dept. of Public Safety and Corrections to study and make recommendations
relative to the different methods of execution to determine the best practices for
administering the death penalty in the most humane manner.