Texas Senate Bill SB1690

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

• Filed: 2/27/25

Caption

Relating to a Texas Department of Criminal Justice record of information regarding death penalty drugs.

Impact

If enacted, SB1690 would bring a significant change to how the Texas Department of Criminal Justice manages its death penalty drug stocks. The requirement for annual reports to key state officials and legislative committees aims to promote oversight and could potentially lead to greater public awareness about the use and sourcing of these drugs. By documenting the status of execution drugs, the bill attempts to ensure that proper standards are followed and that there is accountability in their usage.

Summary

Senate Bill 1690 aims to enhance the tracking and reporting of execution drug inventories by the Texas Department of Criminal Justice. The bill mandates the department to establish a written policy for maintaining detailed records of drugs used for capital punishment, including important details such as the drug names, receipt and expiration dates, as well as the dates when the drugs are utilized for executions. This initiative addresses concerns regarding the lack of transparency and accountability in the use of drugs during executions.

Contention

Debates surrounding SB1690 may center on issues of transparency, ethical considerations regarding the death penalty, and the implications of drug sourcing for executions. Proponents argue that clear reporting practices are essential for public trust and ethical governance, while opponents may raise concerns about the death penalty's moral implications and the potential for mismanagement of sensitive information. Furthermore, discussions might explore the balance between state secrecy and public knowledge in matters of capital punishment.

Texas Constitutional Statutes Affected

Government Code

• Chapter 493. Texas Department Of Criminal Justice: Organization
  • Section: New Section