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HB 5225

AN ACT PROHIBITING CERTAIN LICENSEES AND REGISTRANTS FROM SELLING, DISPENSING, TRANSFERRING OR DELIVERING ANY DRUG OR DEVICE TO EXECUTE A COURT-IMPOSED SENTENCE OF DEATH.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Saud Anwar and 7 co-sponsors

Bars Connecticut pharmacists and drug distributors from supplying medications or devices for lethal injections, effectively preventing state execution procedures.

SENATE CALENDAR NUMBER 448
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Bill Summary · HB 5225

Legislative bill overview

HB 5225 prohibits licensed pharmacists, manufacturers, and other drug/device distributors in Connecticut from selling, dispensing, transferring, or delivering any medications or medical devices intended for use in executing capital punishment. The bill effectively prevents the state's healthcare supply chain from contributing materials to death penalty procedures.

Why is this important

This legislation addresses a practical bottleneck in death penalty administration: pharmaceutical companies and pharmacists have increasingly refused to supply drugs used in lethal injections, creating supply challenges for states that retain capital punishment. The bill reflects growing tension between medical ethics standards and execution procedures, potentially affecting how—or whether—Connecticut can carry out death sentences.

Potential points of contention

  • Constitutional questions: Opponents may argue the bill impedes the state's ability to enforce lawfully imposed sentences, potentially raising Due Process or other constitutional concerns
  • Medical ethics alignment: Supporters cite physician and pharmacist ethical codes prohibiting participation in executions, while critics question whether legislation should restrict professional licensing choices this way
  • Practical death penalty impact: The bill could effectively abolish capital punishment in Connecticut without explicitly doing so, which some view as indirect policy-making while others see it as principled healthcare protection

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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