Governor Katie Hobbs Unveils Executive Action Improving Oversight and Transparency with Arizona's Death Penalty Process

Press Release

Today, Governor Katie Hobbs alongside Attorney General Kris Mayes, announced another executive order as part of her First 100 Days Initiative, which outlines the first 100 actions she will take as Governor to help build an Arizona for everyone. The action announced today establishes a Death Penalty Independent Review Commissioner.

The Commissioner is tasked with reviewing and providing transparency into the Arizona Department of Corrections, Rehabilitation, & Reentry (ADCRR) lethal injection drug and gas chamber chemical procurement process, execution protocols, and staffing considerations including training and experience. The Commissioner will then issue a final report that includes recommendations on improving the transparency, accountability, and safety of the execution process.

"With the Arizona Department of Corrections, Rehabilitation and Reentry now under new leadership, it's time to address the fact that this is a system that needs better oversight on numerous fronts," said Governor Katie Hobbs. "Arizona has a history of mismanaged executions that have resulted in serious questions and concerns about ADCRR's execution protocols and lack of transparency. I'm confident that under Director Thornell, ADCRR will take this executive action seriously."

Source