Texas’ sole method of carrying out a capital sentence is by lethal injection.  Pancuronium bromide is one of the commonly used drugs in executions and is currently utilized in Texas.   However, the growing consensus is that this substance causes unnecessary human suffering.  According to the New York Times, the muscle relaxant pancuronium bromide may render a person helpless without dulling pain, thus providing a “chemical veil” over the convict’s suffering.
Lethal injections typically consist of three drugs: a short acting barbiturate sodium thiopental, pancuronium bromide and potassium chloride to stop the heart.  The Times reports that sodium thiopental can wear off in minutes, while the pancuronium bromide paralyzes the victim and potassium chloride causes extreme pain.

Several years ago, the American Veterinary Medicine Association condemned the use of pancuronium bromide to euthanize animals, on the grounds that it was inhumane.  The 78th Texas Legislature agreed, and passed a bill prohibiting animal shelters from using pancuronium bromide to put down a dog or a cat.

HB 1160 will prohibit the use of pancuronium bromide for the execution of convicts, and bring Texas in line with the evolving standards of decency.