The House Committee on Courts and Criminal Code heard HB 1119 on execution methods authored by Rep. Lucas. The bill authorizes the death penalty to be carried out by firing squad or nitrogen hypoxia: (1) if the Commissioner of the Department of Correction (DOC) determines that use of a firing squad or nitrogen hypoxia is advisable in light of availability considerations and the resources of DOC; or (2) upon request by the condemned person. The bill establishes a procedure to authorize execution by firing squad and by nitrogen hypoxia and removes the requirement that an execution be carried out: (1) at the Indiana state prison; and (2) before sunrise.
The Committee amended the bill by consent to require DOC to establish a protocol and facility for execution by firing squad or nitrogen hypoxia and exempts certain persons from being required to participate in an execution if they conscientiously object.
The Indiana Public Defender Council, American Civil Liberties Union, and the Indiana Catholic Conference testified in opposition to the bill. The amended bill passed 8-5.
Read the bill at https://iga.in.gov/legislative/2026/bills/house/1119/