Execution-drug seller bill also introduced in SC House

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — Another bill that would shield the identities of pharmaceutical companies that supply execution drugs to South Carolina is being considered by the state Legislature.

The House measure introduced Tuesday is a companion to a version already advancing in the Senate. The legislation would add drug companies to the state’s execution team and require their identities be kept secret, in the hope that providers will resume selling execution drugs to the state.

South Carolina has run out of one of its three lethal injection drugs, the anesthetic pentobarbital, and cannot find anyone willing to sell more. Corrections Director Bryan Stirling says that if the6ir names were shielded from the public, pharmaceutical companies might be willing to start selling the drugs again.

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Kinnard can be reached at http://twitter.com/MegKinnardAP