House Bills Aim to Change Florida's Death Penalty

Two bills have been filed in the state House proposing vastly different futures for capital punishment in Florida.

One says the state shouldnt kill convicted murders. The other reduces the options for being put to death to either being strapped into 'Old Sparky' or facing a firing squad.

Rep. Michelle Rehwinkel Vasilinda, D-Tallahassee, has reintroduced her legislation to put down the death penalty in Florida.

"I'm not in the business of dispensing vengeance, she stated in a release. As a state representative, I am in the business of making decisions to help keep Floridians safe from crime while spending taxpayer money prudently.

Rehwinkel Vasilinda said her House Bill 4051, which hasn't gained traction in past regular sessions, is aimed at growing concerns over the possible execution of wrongfully convicted prisoners and to economics. She noted that in 2000, the Palm Beach Post reported Florida spent $51 million a year to enforce the death penalty.

Meanwhile, Rep. Brad Drake, R-Eucheeanna, has filed HB 325 to amend Florida Statutes removing the option for any individual being put to death to select lethal injection.

Drake says if you earn a death penalty, death should be by electrocution or firing squad.

"Over the past few weeks there has been much discussion and debate regarding the effectiveness of certain medicines used as the preferred method for execution, Drake stated in a release. So, I say, let's end the debate. We still have Old Sparky. And if that doesn't suit the criminal, then we will provide them a .45-caliber lead cocktail instead."

The Panhandle Republican was spurred to propose his bill after doctors and legal experts petitioned Gov. Rick Scott to delay the Sept. 28 execution of convicted cop killer Manuel Valle. The concern was the potential suffering that could be caused by the use of pentobarbital as one of the three drugs mixed into the lethal injection.

"I am sick and tired of this sensitivity movement for criminals, Drake stated. Every time there is a warranted execution that is about to take place, some man or woman is standing on a corner holding a sign, yelling and screaming for humane treatment. However, I have no desire to humanely respect those that are inhumane.

On Monday, Scott signed his second death warrant since taking office, this one for Oba Chandler, convicted of murdering a woman and her two daughters who were vacationing in Tampa from Ohio in 1989.