Hutchinson tells state to find execution drug supply

 Gov. Asa Hutchinson is shown in this file photo.
Gov. Asa Hutchinson is shown in this file photo.

LITTLE ROCK — Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson says a U.S. Supreme Court ruling approving the use of the sedative midazolam in executions will allow states to move forward with lethal injections, though other issues remain in Arkansas.

Hutchinson said Monday that he had directed the Department of Correction to "initiate a search for the appropriate drugs." He noted that the department needs to find a drug supplier before any executions can be scheduled.

There are 33 inmates on death row in Arkansas, including at least eight who have exhausted their judicial appeals.

Asked if he would sign the warrants, Hutchinson said he's "ready" to fulfill his responsibility.

The attorney general's office says executions could be delayed amid a challenge over a new law that makes Arkansas' execution drug supplier a state secret.

Read Tuesday's Arkansas Democrat-Gazette for full details.

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