CARSON CITY, Nev. (AP) — A new execution chamber at Ely State Prison isn't high on the priority list of Nevada lawmakers.
Legislators questioned the $700,000 price tag during a budget hearing Wednesday.
They noted there are no executions scheduled in the near future, and state Corrections Director Greg Cox acknowledged that an execution could be carried out at the now-shuttered Nevada State Prison in Carson City if necessary.
There are 83 people on Nevada's death row, which is housed at the Ely prison. Cox said while no executions are imminent, his department assumes one could be held at any time with about 30 days' notice should an inmate waive remaining appeals and volunteer to be executed.
He argued lawsuits are likely should the state attempt an execution at the old prison.
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