This bill amends several sections of the Reissue Revised Statutes of Nebraska to introduce execution by nitrogen hypoxia as an alternative method to lethal injection for carrying out death sentences. It defines key terms related to the execution process, including "Department," "Director," "lethal injection," and "nitrogen hypoxia." The bill stipulates that the Department of Correctional Services will determine the method of execution, which can be either lethal injection or nitrogen hypoxia, and outlines the responsibilities of the Director in creating and maintaining execution protocols.

Additionally, the bill ensures that the administration of substances or equipment necessary for executions does not constitute the practice of medicine, thereby exempting involved personnel from certain regulatory actions. It also maintains the confidentiality of execution team members and specifies the conditions under which executions are to be conducted, including the presence of designated witnesses. The original sections of the law that are being amended are repealed, consolidating the legal framework surrounding the death penalty in Nebraska.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 83-964, 83-965, 83-966, 83-967, 83-968, 83-969, 83-970, 83-971, 83-972