Indianapolis, December 5, 2025
Indiana’s Senate Bill 11 could legalize firing squad executions if lethal injection drugs are unavailable. Senator Mike Young’s proposal aims to address the challenges of drug procurement for capital punishment. The bill, scheduled for discussion on December 8, 2025, allows inmates to request this method of execution, with anonymity for those involved in the process.
Indianapolis, Indiana – A new legislative proposal in Indiana could soon legalize executions by firing squad. State Senator Mike Young introduced Senate Bill 11 on December 4, 2025, aiming to authorize the Department of Correction to carry out executions using a five-person firing squad if lethal injection drugs are unavailable. The bill also allows inmates to request this method of execution.
The proposed procedure involves five Department of Correction employees or state prison wardens forming a firing squad. Four members would fire blank rounds, while one would fire a live round, with none knowing who has which. The identities of the participants would be protected, and they would be shielded from civil or criminal liability.
Indiana currently relies solely on lethal injection for executions. However, obtaining the necessary drugs has become increasingly difficult and costly. The state reportedly paid $275,000 for a dose of pentobarbital used in a 2022 execution, and additional doses expired before they could be used.
The bill is scheduled to be taken up when lawmakers return to session on December 8, 2025. In June 2025, Lieutenant Governor Micah Beckwith suggested that Indiana consider legalizing firing squads, stating the state needs a reliable method if it intends to keep the death penalty.
If passed, Senate Bill 11 would mark a significant shift in Indiana’s approach to capital punishment, providing an alternative method of execution amid challenges in procuring lethal injection drugs.
Key Aspects of Senate Bill 11
Senate Bill 11 is noteworthy not only for its controversial subject but also for the broader implications it may have for Indiana’s criminal justice system. The proposal reflects ongoing challenges regarding the execution process in the state, particularly the procurement of lethal injection drugs, which has become increasingly fraught with complications and rising costs.
Proponents of the bill argue that by considering alternative execution methods, Indiana is aligning with a growing trend seen in several states seeking to maintain capital punishment while addressing practical concerns. By permitting the option of a firing squad, the legislation aims to provide a more reliable means of carrying out death sentences, thereby upholding the law while respecting the procedural integrity of the execution process.
Moreover, the legislation’s protective provisions for the identities of the firing squad participants spotlight an essential facet of corrections—safeguarding the welfare of those involved in such high-stakes responsibilities. These measures may also serve to encourage participation from qualified personnel without fear of repercussion, thereby enhancing the execution process’s operational efficacy.
Addressing Drug Acquisition Challenges
The underlying issue of obtaining lethal injection drugs significantly drives the discussion surrounding Senate Bill 11. As pharmaceutical companies increasingly refuse to supply these drugs for use in executions, states have been left scrambling for solutions. Among the costs associated with acquiring these drugs is a reported $275,000 for a dose used in a 2022 execution, further complicating matters for Indiana.
This rising difficulty in drug procurement emphasizes the need for innovative solutions to keep the death penalty viable in the state. By introducing the option of a firing squad, lawmakers in Indiana are attempting to establish a practical alternative that ensures the state’s capital punishment system remains intact for those awaiting execution.
Legislative Outlook
As state lawmakers prepare to discuss Senate Bill 11, the proposal will likely evoke memories of similar discussions in other states. Legislators from various political backgrounds will weigh the ethical, legal, and practical implications of reintroducing firing squads as a method of execution. Public opinion, past legislative initiatives, and the current operational challenges within the Department of Correction are all factors that will influence the outcome.
If the bill garners enough support to pass, Indiana could find itself at the forefront of a renewed debate on capital punishment and the methods used to enforce it.
The Broader Impact on Indiana’s Justice System
The potential legalization of executions by firing squad has broader implications beyond just those on death row. It raises questions about Indiana’s commitment to upholding its criminal justice policies in the face of evolving societal values and practical challenges. This proposed change could spark further discussions about the future of the death penalty in Indiana, prompting a reevaluation of the sentencing process itself.
While critics may raise concerns about reverting to such outdated methods, supporters argue that maintaining a reliable legal framework for capital punishment is essential. It reflects Indiana’s dedication to law enforcement and justice, ensuring that all aspects of the judicial process are respected.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is Senate Bill 11?
Senate Bill 11 is a legislative proposal introduced by State Senator Mike Young on December 4, 2025, aiming to legalize executions by firing squad in Indiana under certain conditions.
What does Senate Bill 11 propose?
The bill proposes authorizing the Department of Correction to carry out executions using a five-person firing squad if lethal injection drugs are unavailable. It also allows inmates to request this method of execution.
How would the firing squad procedure work?
The procedure involves five Department of Correction employees or state prison wardens forming a firing squad. Four members would fire blank rounds, while one would fire a live round, with none knowing who has which. The identities of the participants would be protected, and they would be shielded from civil or criminal liability.
Why is this bill being considered?
Indiana currently relies solely on lethal injection for executions. However, obtaining the necessary drugs has become increasingly difficult and costly. The state reportedly paid $275,000 for a dose of pentobarbital used in a 2022 execution, and additional doses expired before they could be used.
When will the bill be discussed?
The bill is scheduled to be taken up when lawmakers return to session on December 8, 2025.
Has this been discussed before?
In June 2025, Lieutenant Governor Micah Beckwith suggested that Indiana consider legalizing firing squads, stating the state needs a reliable method if it intends to keep the death penalty.
Key Features of Senate Bill 11
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Execution Method | Five-person firing squad |
| Conditions for Use | Unavailability of lethal injection drugs or inmate’s request |
| Participant Anonymity | Identities protected; shielded from civil or criminal liability |
| Legislative Status | Introduced on December 4, 2025; scheduled for discussion on December 8, 2025 |
| Background | Difficulty and cost in obtaining lethal injection drugs |
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Author: STAFF HERE INDIANAPOLIS WRITER
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