LINCOLN, Neb. — A Nebraska senator has introduced a bill that would require state lawmakers to witness executions and prohibit prison officials from blocking witnesses' view, as they did briefly while carrying one out last year.
Sen. Patty Pansing Brooks, of Lincoln, proposed legislation Monday that would require two lawmakers appointed by the Legislature's Executive Board to be present during the execution.
The measure would bar prison officials from doing anything to "obstruct, limit, shield or otherwise impede" the view of official state witnesses.
Prison officials faced criticism during last year's execution of Carey Dean Moore when they lowered a blind over viewing windows for reporters and witnesses. The blind remained down for 14 minutes after the last of four lethal injection drugs was administered, then was raised again for 40 seconds.
