VIRGINIA (USA): HOUSE DEFEATS BILL ALLOWING LETHAL-INJECTION DRUG SECRECY

February 24, 2015: House defeats SB 1393 allowing lethal-injection drug secrecy.
The bill, which passed the Senate on Feb. 10, was rejected today by a bipartisan House majority, 56-42.
Supporters said the provision was necessary because the state is running out of drugs and many manufacturers don't want to be associated with their production.
The measure had been requested by the administration of Democratic Gov. Terry McAuliffe.
It would have allowed the state to enter into contracts with compounding pharmacies to acquire the three-drug combination used in the process. It also would have permitted the pharmacies to remain anonymous and to keep under wraps the names of the components used in the compounding process.
Del. David Albo, a Republican, said the secrecy provisions were necessary because the companies that supply the drugs fear public condemnation. Critics were unconvinced. "I certainly cannot support putting this public act under a veil of secrecy," said Del. Charniele Herring, a Democrat. Among those voting against the bill were supporters of capital punishment such as Del. Rick Morris, a Republican. "I do not believe this is about the issue of the death penalty," he said.
"To me this is an issue of open and transparent government." Critics of the bill also called it premature because there are legal cases involving lethal injection pending before both the U.S. and Virginia supreme courts. It does not appear, however, that the bill's failure will hold up any executions.
There are eight inmates on Virginia's death row, but no executions are scheduled. (Source: Associated Press, 24/02/2015)