Senate Bill 491 amends Tennessee Code Annotated, specifically Section 40-23-114, by adding a new subsection that allows for the inclusion of pharmaceutical fentanyl in the lethal injection protocol used for carrying out death sentences. This change aims to update the methods employed in the execution process, reflecting advancements in pharmaceutical options.

The bill stipulates that the new regulations regarding the use of fentanyl will take effect immediately for the purpose of rule promulgation, while all other provisions will come into effect on July 1, 2025. This staggered implementation is intended to ensure a smooth transition to the updated execution protocol while addressing public welfare concerns.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 40-23-114