Ohio lawmakers are discussing revisions to the state’s death penalty policies.
Last week, state Reps. Brian Stewart and Phil Plummer submitted House Bill 392. The law would allow the use of nitrogen hypoxia as a form of execution.
Nitrogen hypoxia is a method of execution in which the perpetrator breaths only nitrogen gas, resulting in rapid unconsciousness and death, according to a statement from Attorney General Dave Yost, who supports the measure.
Governor Mike DeWine has given several reprieves to inmates sentenced to death due to problems obtaining lethal injection medicines. No executions have occurred in Ohio since 2018.
Two other bills have been introduced in the House and state Senate to abolish the death penalty totally.
These pieces of legislation have been under consideration by committees since last year.