After seven years of debate, the Legislature on Friday sent the governor a bill to replace hanging with lethal injection as the primary method of execution in Washington.

Gov. Mike Lowry is expected to sign the measure, which has long been backed by state prison officials, Attorney General Christine Gregoire and Senate Democrats.

The bill, SB5500 sponsored by Sen. Adam Smith, D-SeaTac, specifies that unless a death row inmate chooses hanging, execution would be by lethal injection. Current law provides that hanging is the method unless the inmate chooses injection.

The measure passed the House unanimously after clearing the Senate weeks ago.

, DataTimes