OLYMPIA — Washington state doesn't have any immediate plans to change its execution policy after a federal appeals court ruled that witnesses should have full viewing access to the process.
The ruling struck down a portion of Idaho's regulations that prevented witnesses, including reporters, from watching executions until after catheters have been inserted into the veins of death row inmates. It could affect execution policies in three other Western states: Arizona, Montana and Washington.
Washington Department of Corrections spokesman Chad Lewis says the agency is working with the state Attorney General's office to review the ruling and doesn't have any immediate plans to change its policies.
There are no executions scheduled in Washington. Seven men sit on Washington's death row.
