This Friday, Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs announced that she will review state’s death penalty process. Concurrently, Attorney General Kris Mays filed a motion suspending executions of any kind indefinitely.
The "independent" commission will be “reviewing all components” of the rule allowing the death penalty in Arizona (which is also legal in 27 other states). The executive order issued by the Democratic governor involves a review of the Arizona Department of Corrections, Rehabilitation and Reentry (ADCRR):
An Independent Review Commissioner shall be appointed by and serve at the pleasure of the Governor to review and provide transparency into the ADCRR’s lethal injection drug and gas chamber chemical procurement process, execution protocols, and staffing considerations including training and experience.
TODAY: Alongside @AZAGMayes, we’re announcing an Executive Order to establish a Death Penalty Independent Review Commissioner.
With new leadership at ADCRR, it’s time to address the fact that this is a system that needs better oversight. #Hobbs100 pic.twitter.com/YSXmjrFlKS
— Governor Katie Hobbs (@GovernorHobbs) January 20, 2023
"Better oversight"
Through her Twitter account, Hobbs asserted that the death penalty system needs "better oversight." The new commission will be able to access all ADCRR archives and take testimonies from its members.
Attorney General Mayes seconded the measure and made a motion to withdraw a previous execution request he made in November 2022. The death penalty is suspended statewide until the commission finishes its review.
"I welcome Governor Hobbs' efforts to increase transparency and oversight of the enforcement process and protocols in Arizona," Mayes said.
According to the Arizona Daily Star, three executions were approved in the state in 2022. Before that, the most recent one took place in 2014.
