SB 430, An Act Prohibiting Certain Conduct Concerning Drugs And Medical Devices Used To Execute The Death Penalty

TESTIMONY OF CONNECTICUT HOSPITAL ASSOCIATION
SUBMITTED TO THE GENERAL LAW COMMITTEE

Monday, February 10, 2025

The Connecticut Hospital Association (CHA) appreciates this opportunity to submit testimony concerning SB 430, An Act Prohibiting Certain Conduct Concerning Drugs And Medical Devices Used To Execute The Death Penalty. CHA opposes the bill, as drafted.

Connecticut hospitals and health systems care for patients, strengthen the state’s economy, and support vulnerable communities across the state. Every day, they work to improve healthcare access, affordability, and health equity. Even as they face ongoing challenges, hospitals provide world-class care to everyone who walks through their doors, regardless of their ability to pay. Hospitals also support an exemplary workforce as the largest collective employer in the state, contribute significantly to the state’s economy, and invest in their communities addressing social drivers of health.
SB 430 prohibits individuals licensed, registered or doing business in this state from manufacturing, compounding, selling, testing, distributing, dispensing or suppling any drug or medical device for the purpose of executing the death penalty.

The death penalty was abolished in Connecticut over 10 years ago. SB 430 would have no real effect in Connecticut with respect to the death penalty. In an effort to influence activities in other states where a death penalty sentence is still relevant, the bill may have unintended consequences impacting the residents of Connecticut.

CHA is concerned that the bill, although well-intended, could have a chilling effect on the availability of drugs that otherwise have appropriate and therapeutic uses in the routine delivery of healthcare. At least three of the drugs that would be targeted are already on the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) shortage list. We are extremely hesitant to give manufacturers a reason to stop making these drugs, many of which are not high-profit drugs. Because the risk of losing access to the shortage drugs is so serious and can place healthcare providers in Connecticut in situations where they must scramble for other drugs to use to be able to provide safe patient care, we ask that the bill not go forward as written.

If the bill moves forward, we ask that the bill be revised to clarify that the prohibition only applies, and would not otherwise be enforced, unless an entity or person subject to the restriction has specific knowledge that the recipient of the drug intends to utilize the drug to carry out a death penalty sentence.

Additionally, some of the drugs that are affected are used for compassionate euthanasia of pets and other animals.

Thank you for your consideration of our position. For additional information, contact CHA Government Relations at (203) 294-7301.