From the Lincoln Journal Star:
People will get a chance to record their views Friday, Dec. 30, on a controversial new death penalty protocol.
While Attorney General Doug Peterson called the scheduled administrative hearing just part of the required process, Department of Correctional Services Director Scott Frakes last week promised to keep an open mind about testimony during the scheduled five-hour hearing.
ACLU of Nebraska and Omaha Sen. Ernie Chambers are expected to weigh in with their objections. And the Nebraska Pharmacists Association will send a letter with that group’s concerns.
The protocol was developed within weeks after three-fifths of voting Nebraskans nullified the Legislature’s 2015 repeal of the death penalty. It comes at a time when death sentences nationwide are down 39 percent in 2016 from the record low set last year.
The hearing is scheduled for 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Friday, December 30, at the State Office Building, 301 Centennial Mall, Lower Level Conference Room.