Bill Lee: “Now we have had a difficult time because, of course, under PAYGO we know we have to find a pay-for.”

I will seek an independent investigation and pause all executions for the rest of 2026.

So far as we know, the Department of Correction followed exactly the protocol that was outlined and vetted and approved by the attorney general’s office.

It’s exactly why we will have a thorough, comprehensive review of what happened, so that we can know the answers that so many people want.

I hope that Tennessee governor Bill Lee’s decision to postpone the last execution scheduled for this year will give lawmakers time to consider the subject seriously.