SB 1559 Summary

• Executes death sentences at Oklahoma State Penitentiary at McAlester under Department of Corrections Director authority with warden present.

• Requires warden to invite physician, district attorney, trial judge, local police chief, lead law enforcement officials from investigating agencies, and Cabinet Secretary of Safety and Security to witness executions.

• Makes identities of execution personnel and drug/supply providers confidential and prohibits discovery in civil or criminal proceedings; exempts execution supply purchases from Oklahoma Central Purchasing Act.

• Allows two members of defendant's legal counsel to witness execution in person and access all areas and procedures leading up to execution, plus communication access to legal team outside prison.

• Permits immediate family members (18+ years) of deceased victims to witness execution in person or via closed circuit television; allows surviving victims (18+ years) to view execution via closed circuit television with approval of Director and warden; both may have supporting persons present.

• Effective November 1, 2016.