May 14, 2009

Governor Riley Signs Bill Increasing Number of Witnesses to State Executions

MONTGOMERY -- Governor Bob Riley on Thursday morning signed into law a bill that increases the number of people who can witness a state execution.

The new law increases from two to six the number of immediate family members of a crime victim who can witness the perpetrator’s execution. The bill also increases from two to six the number of immediate family members of the condemned inmate who can witness the execution.

The new law became effective with Governor Riley’s signature.