HB 198

Present law provides that the only witnesses entitled to be present at the carrying out of a death sentence in this state are the following persons:  The warden of the state penitentiary or their duly authorized deputy .  The sheriff of the county in which the crime was committed .  A clergy member who has been preparing the condemned person for death .  The prison physician .  Attendants chosen by the warden to properly carry out the execution .  Up to seven members of the press selected in accordance with rules promulgated by the department of correction .  Immediate family members of the victim who are 18 or older or, w he n there are no such surviving family members, up to three previously identified relatives or personal friends of the victim .  One defense counsel chosen by the condemned person .  The attorney general or the ir designee. This bill enacts the "Bearing Witness to the Death Penalty Ac t, "" which also aut horizes members of the general assembly to be present at such executions."