The bill amends Arkansas law to include nitrogen gas as an additional method of execution for individuals convicted of capital offenses. Specifically, it modifies Arkansas Code 5-4-615 and 5-4-617 to allow the Division of Correction to carry out death sentences either by lethal injection or by nitrogen gas. The bill also stipulates that upon receiving a warrant of execution, the Director of the Division of Correction must notify the condemned prisoner of the method of execution within seven days. If lethal injection is chosen, the notice must include the names of the drugs to be used.

Additionally, the bill includes provisions for confidentiality regarding the identities of those involved in the execution process and establishes immunity for individuals who participate in administering either lethal injection or nitrogen gas. It also clarifies that a death sentence will not be reduced if the method of execution is deemed unconstitutional, ensuring that the sentence remains in force until it can be lawfully executed by a valid method. The bill further amends the definition of "physician-assisted suicide" to exclude those participating in executions by nitrogen gas or lethal injection.

Statutes affected:
HB 1489: 5-4-615, 5-4-617, 25-15-201, 25-19-101, 19-10-305, 5-10-106(a)
Act 302: 5-4-615, 5-4-617, 25-15-201, 25-19-101, 19-10-305, 5-10-106(a)