Tennessee Lawmakers Pass Bill to Stop Executions of Those with Intellectual Disability

Apr. 27, 2021 | Lawmakers in the Tennessee House and Senate voted overwhelmingly on Apr. 26 in favor of legislation to prevent the execution of people with intellectual disability. Both chambers are controlled by a GOP supermajority.

The bill would allow those on the state’s death row to petition the trial court for a determination of whether they are ineligible for the death penalty due to the presence of an intellectual disability.

READ MORE: “Bill passes to stop executions of intellectually disabled” via Associated Press

The passage of the legislation will play a role in the high-profile case of Pervis Payne, who, in addition to having an intellectual disability, holds a strong innocence claim for the crime for which he was sentenced to death.

The bill now moves to Governor Bill Lee’s desk to be signed into state law. 

Thanks be to God! A step in the right direction for #Tennessee, and one that will help individuals like #PervisPayne. #HopeOverDeath https://t.co/wDctTdiMZ4

— Catholic Mobilizing Network (@CMNEndtheDP) April 26, 2021

BREAKING: The Tennessee legislature just passed a bill that could stop the execution of #PervisPayne. This bill would prevent the unconstitutional execution of people with intellectual disabilities. Now it’s up to Gov. Lee to sign the bill into law. https://t.co/duBL4ndw4y

— The Innocence Project (@innocence) April 26, 2021