JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) -- A Missouri House panel is considering legislation to give lawmakers oversight over the state's execution procedures.
Republican Rep. Eric Burlison said Wednesday that his bill would make Missouri's lethal injection method more transparent and accountable to the public.
The measure would require the state Corrections Department to submit a formal outline of an execution procedure to a legislative panel. The panel could then conduct hearings and take public comment on the proposed execution method. The full Legislature would also be able to veto the proposed method.
Missouri has executed four inmates using pentobarbital, a powerful sedative acquired from a compounding pharmacy. Burlison cited the state's refusal to reveal the identity of the pharmacy as the motivation for his legislation.
Death Penalty is HB 1737
Online:
Legislature: http://www.moga.mo.gov