Phoenix AZ – February 19, 2026 | By STAFF HERE PHOENIX WRITER
WHAT’S HAPPENING
What legislative measure advanced in Arizona on February 19, 2026?
Senate Concurrent Resolution 1049 (SCR1049) advanced, proposing the firing squad as a mandatory execution method for killing law enforcement officers.
When will Arizona voters decide on this firing squad resolution?
If both chambers pass the legislation, SCR1049 will be placed on the November 2026 ballot for voters to decide.
What are the proposed execution protocols for the firing squad in Arizona?
The firing squad would involve a minimum of three volunteer shooters, one blank round, conducted within state prison limits.
Why is Arizona considering the firing squad for capital punishment?
The state is exploring alternatives to lethal injection due to difficulties in drug procurement and concerns about the method’s humanity.
The Arizona Legislature has advanced Senate Concurrent Resolution 1049, proposing the firing squad as a mandatory execution method for those convicted of killing a law enforcement officer. If approved by voters, the constitutional amendment would also offer choices for other death row inmates. The measure heads to the full Senate for consideration.
Arizona Legislature Advances Mandatory Firing Squad Resolution for Police Killers
PHOENIX, AZ – A significant legislative measure proposing the firing squad as a mandatory method of capital punishment for individuals convicted of killing a law enforcement officer in the line of duty advanced through the Arizona Legislature on Thursday, February 19, 2026. This legislative effort aims to establish specific protocols for capital punishment within the state, particularly addressing scenarios involving the murder of police officers.
What Does the Resolution Propose for Capital Punishment?
The resolution, identified as Senate Concurrent Resolution 1049 (SCR1049), seeks to amend the Arizona Constitution. If approved by voters, it would mandate death by firing squad for any defendant who murders a law enforcement officer, with the understanding that the defendant knew or should have known the officer was acting in their line of duty. For other death row inmates, the resolution would give a choice between lethal injection, lethal gas, or firing squad. However, if a choice is not made, lethal injection would remain the default method. The proposed constitutional amendment would also stipulate that death by firing squad would be conducted by a minimum of three volunteer shooters, with one blank round utilized, and the execution would take place within the state prison limits.
Key Legislative Efforts and Next Steps for the Proposal
Sponsored by Senator Kevin Payne, SCR1049 passed out of committee along party lines and is now set to head to the full Senate for consideration. A companion bill, Senate Bill 1751 (SB1751), also sponsored by Senator Payne, outlines the same firing squad rules in state statute but would only become effective if voters approve SCR1049 to amend the state constitution. If both legislative measures clear the Senate and House, SCR1049 would be placed on the November 2026 ballot, allowing Arizona voters to have the final say on amending the state’s constitution regarding execution methods.
Examining the Context of Arizona’s Death Penalty Laws
The legislative push to reintroduce the firing squad comes amidst ongoing challenges and discussions surrounding Arizona’s capital punishment protocols, particularly the difficulty in procuring drugs for lethal injections. A similar proposal was introduced in the Arizona House of Representatives last year but did not advance. Concerns about the effectiveness and humane nature of lethal injection have also prompted calls for alternative execution methods. In 2023, an independent review of Arizona’s death penalty, commissioned by Governor Katie Hobbs, reportedly suggested the firing squad as a more humane option, though the reviewer was later dismissed before the report’s completion. Arizona currently has 111 people on death row. Other states, including Utah, Idaho, Oklahoma, South Carolina, and Mississippi, already permit execution by firing squad.
Summary of Firing Squad Resolution Advancement
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Resolution Name | Senate Concurrent Resolution 1049 (SCR1049) |
| Date of Advancement | February 19, 2026 |
| Legislative Body | Arizona Legislature (initially Senate committee) |
| Primary Purpose | Mandatory firing squad for individuals killing law enforcement officers |
| Other Capital Punishment Options | Defendant’s choice of lethal injection, lethal gas, or firing squad for other cases |
| Execution Protocols | Minimum three volunteer shooters, one blank round, within state prison |
| Next Step | Heads to full Senate for consideration; then to voters in November 2026 if passed by both chambers |
| Companion Legislation | Senate Bill 1751 (SB1751) |
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Author: STAFF HERE PHOENIX WRITER
The PHOENIX STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREPhoenix.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Phoenix, Maricopa County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Waste Management Phoenix Open, Cactus League Spring Training, and Arizona State Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce and Visit Phoenix, plus leading businesses in technology and healthcare that power the local economy such as Intel and Banner Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERETucson.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Arizona's dynamic landscape.
