Nebraska resumes search for lethal injection drug suppliers

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — Nebraska officials have started a new search for lethal injection drugs and are backing a proposal that would allow them to conceal a supplier's identity after voters reinstated capital punishment last year.

Corrections Director Scott Frakes said Thursday he has already "had some conversations" with potential suppliers but has not yet made any purchases. His comments came outside of a Government, Military and Veterans Affairs Committee hearing on a proposed shield law that would keep secret the identity of any lethal injection drug suppliers.

"I've just begun the process to see if I can obtain the substances needed to carry out the sentences," Frakes said after testifying in support of the bill.

Gov. Pete Ricketts approved a new lethal injection protocol last month that gives the Department of Correctional Services greater flexibility to choose which drugs are used in executions. An early draft of the protocol included a secrecy provision, but Frakes said department officials removed it after deciding they first needed legislative approval.

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