Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that establishes identity protections for members of an execution team.

Highlights:

• Requires the Commissioner of the Department of Corrections to select an execution team, including the state executioner and his or her deputies, consisting of those who provide direct support for the administration of lethal chemicals (Sec. 1).

• Specifies that the identities of all members of the execution team, the supplier(s) of lethal injection drugs, and witnesses shall remain confidential and are exempt from disclosure under the Mississippi Public Records Act of 1983 (Sec. 1).

• Specifies that any portion of any record that could identify a person as being a current or former member of an execution team or supplier of lethal injection drugs, or a witness who wishes to remain confidential, is privileged and is not subject to discovery, subpoena, or other means of legal compulsion for disclosure (Sec. 1).

• Specifies that any person whose identity is disclosed in violation of this law shall have a civil cause of action against a person who violates this law and be entitled to recover actual and punitive damages from such person (Sec. 1).

• Prohibits licensing boards from censuring, reprimanding, suspending, revoking, or taking any other action against a member of the execution team’s or lethal injection supplier’s license because the individual participated in a lawful execution (Sec. 1).

Full Bill Text

Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that establishes identity protections for members of an execution team.

Highlights:

• Requires the Commissioner of the Department of Corrections to select an execution team, including the state executioner and his or her deputies, consisting of those who provide direct support for the administration of lethal chemicals (Sec. 1).

• Specifies that the identities of all members of the execution team, the supplier(s) of lethal injection drugs, and witnesses shall remain confidential and are exempt from disclosure under the Mississippi Public Records Act of 1983 (Sec. 1).

• Specifies that any portion of any record that could identify a person as being a current or former member of an execution team or supplier of lethal injection drugs, or a witness who wishes to remain confidential, is privileged and is not subject to discovery, subpoena, or other means of legal compulsion for disclosure (Sec. 1).

• Specifies that any person whose identity is disclosed in violation of this law shall have a civil cause of action against a person who violates this law and be entitled to recover actual and punitive damages from such person (Sec. 1).

• Prohibits licensing boards from censuring, reprimanding, suspending, revoking, or taking any other action against a member of the execution team’s or lethal injection supplier’s license because the individual participated in a lawful execution (Sec. 1).

Full Bill Text