SB148 Summary

• Expands coroner and deputy coroner duties to include authority to take possession of objects, medical specimens, or articles helpful in establishing cause of death, and to perform or authorize autopsies in specified circumstances.

• Extends deadline for delivering deceased's money and property to county treasurer from 30 days to 90 days, except when a criminal prosecution is commenced.

• Establishes 17 specific circumstances under which a coroner may require an autopsy, including homicide, suicide, drug overdose, motor vehicle accidents, institutional deaths, workplace accidents, and sudden unexplained deaths.

• Limits coroner investigations to determining cause and manner of death, identity of deceased, and surrounding circumstances; requires immediate notification of law enforcement if foul play is suspected.

• Makes failure to comply with a coroner or deputy coroner's lawful directives a Class C felony; establishes coroners as full-time positions regardless of compensation; effective the first day of the third month following passage and approval.