HB248 Alabama 2024 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Neil RaffertyRepresentative

Democrat

Session

Regular Session 2024

Title

Death penalty; execution by nitrogen hypoxia prohibited

Summary

HB248 would ban nitrogen hypoxia as a method of execution in Alabama, keeping lethal injection as the default and allowing electrocution as an opt-in option, with non-substantive code updates also included.

What This Bill Does

The bill removes nitrogen hypoxia as a permissible method of execution. It maintains lethal injection as the default method, with the option for an inmate to elect electrocution, and it makes non-substantive updates to the death-penalty statutes. It also clarifies execution logistics (where and who carries out the execution) and preserves certain protections for staff involved in executions.

Who It Affects

• Death-row inmates convicted of capital offenses: would no longer have nitrogen hypoxia as an available method and would face lethal injection by default or electrocution if they elect it.
• Department of Corrections and prison staff (including wardens and the Commissioner): would implement the new execution methods (primarily lethal injection, with electrocution as an elected option), manage execution facilities at the Holman unit, and apply the updated procedures and safety protections.

Key Provisions

• Prohibits the state from executing individuals by nitrogen hypoxia; effective June 1, 2024.
• Keeps lethal injection as the default method and allows an inmate to affirmatively elect electrocution (removing nitrogen hypoxia as a long-term option).
• Designates the William C. Holman unit at Atmore Correctional Facility as the execution site and assigns the Department of Corrections to provide facilities and staff for executions; the warden or deputy acts as the executioner unless otherwise designated.
• Includes non-substantive, technical updates to align the code with current style, preserves staff liability protections, and maintains certain constitutional safeguards and procedural flexibilities for when methods are declared unconstitutional.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 22, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Incarceration