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Effort to Reveal Source of Drugs for Execution in VA Turned Down

Virginia Department of Corrections

RICHMOND, Va. (AP) - A Virginia lawmaker is joining a chorus of voices across numerous states pushing officials to reveal the source of drugs used in lethal-injection executions.

Democratic Sen. Scott Surovell's measure appears to have little chance, however: A subcommittee that examined the measure Tuesday voted 4-1 against it.

A number of states have passed secrecy laws to stabilize their execution drug supplies. Officials say the laws protect companies that fear retaliation for their association with the death penalty.

Surovell introduced his bill in response to Virginia's use of pentobarbital from Texas to execute convicted serial killer Alfredo Prieto in October.

Don Rush is the News Director at Delmarva Public Media. An award-winning journalist, Don reports major local issues of the day, from sea level rise, to urban development, to the changing demographics of Delmarva.