LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — Arkansas Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders, a Republican, expressed a deliberate and cautious approach regarding the resumption of executions in the state following the new legislation she signed permitting nitrogen gas as a method for capital punishment. During an interview with local media shortly after the legislative session concluded, Sanders emphasized that she intends to proceed thoughtfully rather than hurriedly with this serious decision.
The law makes Arkansas the fifth state in the U.S. to approve nitrogen as a method for executions, yet Sanders noted there is no set timeline for reinstating the practice, as the state has not executed an inmate since 2017. This halt occurred after Arkansas ran out of lethal injection drugs due to manufacturers’ opposition to their use in executions. Reflecting on her father Mike Huckabee’s tenure, during which sixteen executions were completed, Sanders stressed the weight of such choices on her leadership.
Sanders also highlighted her determination to advance plans for a sizable new state prison, a project for which funding was not secured during the recent legislative session. Intended for Franklin County, this 3,000-bed facility aims to alleviate the overcrowding of state prisons, which has led to an overflow of inmates into local jails. Despite failing to pass an appropriations bill for the project, Sanders remains optimistic about its eventual realization, dismissing alternative suggestions like building smaller facilities across multiple locations.
Her prison proposal has encountered pushback locally, particularly as the state previously acquired 815 acres of land for this purpose without widespread consultation. Critics have questioned both the financial feasibility and practicality of the site for the $825 million project. Despite this, Sanders reiterated her commitment to push forward and believes the majority back the need for this facility.
Regarding tax policies, Governor Sanders hinted at potentially calling a special session to discuss income tax reductions once the fiscal year concludes. Although she did not commit to a session, she reaffirmed her goal of eliminating state income tax and has seen some successes, including the removal of sales taxes on groceries. While some state leaders advocate postponing further tax decisions until the next legislative meeting, Sanders argued the recent modest budget increase could accommodate gradual tax reductions.
Sanders also voiced her intention to maintain the state’s Medicaid expansion, which recently received legislative approval but could face existential threats should federal support diminish. Arkansas, like other states, enacted a provision to terminate its Medicaid expansion if federal contributions decrease. Remaining steadfast in supporting the continuation of this health program, Sanders highlighted the importance of Arkansas having a say in federal Medicaid discussions, as any decisions have significant implications for the state.