Kentucky officials said Thursday they will change how prisoners are executed, opening the door to using a single drug instead of the current three-drug method challenged by inmates who call it cruel and unusual punishment. The Kentucky Justice Cabinet filed notice in Franklin Circuit Court that it would propose new regulations by July 24th. The single-page motion does not say what changes will be made. The new method could be in place by late summer, allowing Kentucky to begin executions later this year. In April, Franklin Circuit Judge Phillip Shepherd gave Kentucky 90 days to make changes or face a trial to defend the three-drug method. Shepherd said, if Kentucky adopts a new regulation allowing for a one-drug execution, any claims of cruel and unusual punishment by the inmates "will be rendered moot."
