ALABAMA (WPMI) An Alabama legislator is proposing to bring back the electric chair. The proposal would let Alabama use the electric chair for executions if the state is unable to get the drugs needed for lethal injection.
Republican Senator Cam Ward of Alabaster filed the bill ahead of the legislative session that begins March 3.
Alabama switched from the electric chair to lethal injection in 2002 as the state's primary form of capital punishment. However Alabama has not executed an inmate since 2013 because of a drug shortage.
Alabama is seeking to resume executions with a new drug combination. Inmates have filed lawsuits challenging the new procedure as cruel and unusual punishment.
Ward's proposal would also let the state use the electric chair if lethal injection procedures are ruled unconstitutional.
