Bill Lee: “The continued existence of OCO has resulted in less oversight, less certainty, and higher levels of waste.”

There are a lot of questions. The people of our state deserve to have those questions answered.

Carrying out a lawfully imposed sentence is among the State’s most serious responsibilities, and the people of Tennessee expect it to be done in a manner that is not only legal and constitutional, but is effective.

I have ordered a pause on all executions for the remainder of the year.

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