The bill amends the Revised Code to introduce nitrogen hypoxia as an alternative method of execution in Ohio, alongside the existing lethal injection. It allows individuals sentenced to death to choose between these two methods, requiring their choice to be submitted in writing at least one week before the execution date. If no choice is made or if lethal injection cannot be performed, the execution will default to nitrogen hypoxia. The execution process will be conducted under the supervision of the warden within a designated enclosure that is not visible to the public. The bill also emphasizes the confidentiality of execution-related identifying information, making reckless disclosure a misdemeanor, and clarifies that no death sentence will be reduced due to a method of execution being deemed unconstitutional.

Furthermore, the bill specifies the individuals permitted to be present during the execution, including the warden, correction officers, the sheriff, the director of rehabilitation and correction, physicians, designated clergy, family members of the victim, and authorized media representatives. It mandates the presence of at least one representative from a newspaper, television station, and radio station. Additionally, the bill repeals certain outdated sections of the Revised Code related to the execution process to streamline the legal framework and ensure it aligns with current practices.

Statutes affected:
As Introduced: 2921.24, 2949.22, 2949.221, 2949.25