Lawmakers hear CT witnesses urge ban on sale of drugs and devices used in executions

Dozens of witnesses told the General Law Committee on Feb. 10 that Connecticut should bar companies from manufacturing, selling or distributing drugs and medical devices used in executions elsewhere — a measure supporters say would make the state stop facilitating capital punishment through commercial supply chains.

The bill, Senate Bill 430, would prohibit individuals and companies licensed in Connecticut from manufacturing, testing, selling, compounding, distributing or supplying drugs or medical devices “intended for use in executions.” Supporters said the proposal is narrowly targeted to prevent Connecticut companies from profiting from executions while leaving legitimate medical and commercial uses untouched.

Bianca Teilich, executive director of WorthRises, told the committee that Connecticut‑based suppliers were identified in recent reporting and that firms such as Absolute Standards and a…