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MONTGOMERY, Ala. (AP) — Alabama is the latest state to try to keep secret the makers and suppliers of the state's execution drugs.
A bill approved 77-19 Thursday by the Alabama House would allow the names to be kept from the public and the courts. It moves to the Senate.
Republican Rep. Lynn Greer says it's harder to get the drugs because companies are afraid of lawsuits and backlash from death penalty opponents.
Opponents argued the details of the state-sanctioned taking of life should not be kept secret.
Democratic Rep. Napoleon Bracy says state contractors should be part of open records. Bracy says the companies don't want to be known but still want to profit from selling the drug.
The Death Penalty Information Center reports that about seven states have adopted similar laws, which are being challenged in court.
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