A bill filing at the Indiana Statehouse is renewing debate over how the state carries out capital punishment. State Senator Mike Young has introduced Senate Bill 11, which would allow executions by firing squad if lethal injection drugs are unavailable. The proposal would also let an inmate request that method.

According to reports, the bill outlines a five-person firing squad made up of Department of Correction employees or state prison wardens. Four members would fire blank rounds, one would fire a live round, and none of them would know who has which. Their identities would be protected, and they would be shielded from civil or criminal liability.

Indiana currently relies solely on lethal injection, but obtaining the necessary drugs has become increasingly difficult and expensive. 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 challenge of securing the drugs has prompted new discussions about alternatives. Last summer, Lieutenant Governor Micah Beckwith publicly suggested that Indiana consider legalizing firing squads, saying the state needs a reliable method if it intends to keep the death penalty.

Senate Bill 11 will be taken up when lawmakers return to session December 8.

State Senator Young is from Indianapolis and represents District 35 consisting of portions of Hendricks and Marion Counties.