The Wyoming House of Representatives has passed a bill allowing executions by firing squad.

The firing squad is being proposed as an alternative method of carrying out the death penalty because of the shortage of chemicals used for lethal injections. The vote Thursday was 32-28.

Opponents of the bill argued it isn't necessary in view of the fact that no one is currently on death row in Wyoming. Dale Wayne Eaton recently had his death sentence for the 1988 rape and murder of Lisa Marie Kimmel overturned by a federal judge. Prosecutors are trying to get the death penalty against Eaton reinstated.

Rep Cathy Connolly (D-Laramie) argued the state should reject the firing squad bill and study the possibility of abolishing the death penalty entirely. Rep. Ken Esquibel (D-Cheyenne) raised concerns about a firing squad missing a killing shot, leading to unnecessary pain and suffering.

But Rep Scott Clem (R-Gillette) pointed out the firing squad bill has been amended to allow for people being shot to be rendered unconscious before being executed.

Clem also questioned whether too much attention might be focused on criminals being executed rather than on their victims. He added "they are the criminal. so let's not put them in a victim role".

The bill has already passed the Senate, but because of the amendment on rendering the inmate unconscious the Senate must vote on the house version before the bill moves on to the governor.

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