Ohio 2023-2024 Regular Session

Ohio House Bill HB589

Caption

Prohibit executing death sentence by nitrogen gas administration

Impact

If enacted, HB589 will directly influence the execution process within Ohio's correctional institutions. By explicitly banning nitrogen gas as a method of execution, it reinforces the current reliance on lethal injection, which some advocates argue is a more humane approach. This amendment could reduce the potential for legal challenges that may arise around the use of nitrogen gas, which has been controversial and scrutinized for its implications on human rights and ethical considerations in capital punishment.

Summary

House Bill 589 aims to amend section 2949.22 of the Ohio Revised Code to prohibit the execution of a death sentence by the administration of nitrogen gas. This bill seeks to solidify the existing law regarding execution methods, particularly emphasizing lethal injection as the primary method of execution. The bill is introduced to ensure that any future legislative amendments or changes to execution methods do not permit the use of nitrogen gas, rather than lethal injection. This reflects the ongoing discussions surrounding humane methods of executing death sentences.

Contention

The bill may provoke debate regarding the efficacy and humanity of lethal injection versus nitrogen gas as methods of execution. Proponents of HB589 argue that it safeguards against potential abuses and ensures a more humane approach to capital punishment, while opponents may contest the bill on the grounds that it limits exploration into other possibly more humane methods of execution. The discussions surrounding methods of execution often highlight broader concerns related to the death penalty, including its morality, effectiveness, and potential for wrongful convictions.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

OH HB392

Add nitrogen hypoxia as a method of execution

OH HB36

Add nitrogen hypoxia as a method of execution

OH HB248

Death penalty; execution by nitrogen hypoxia prohibited

OH HB1489

To Amend The Method Of Execution To Include Nitrogen Gas.

OH HB222

Provides relative to the execution of a death sentence (OR SEE FISC NOTE GF EX)

OH HB6

Provides relative to the methods of execution and for confidentiality of records or information relating to the execution of a death sentence (Item #15) (EN INCREASE GF EX See Note)

OH HB71

Provides relative to the execution of a death sentence

OH HB120

Provides relative to executions of death sentences

OH SB2655

Death penalty; revise method of execution.

OH HB800

Death penalty executions; remove firing squad as an option.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.