AR HB1557

Amends Arkansas Code § 14-15-304 to modify confidentiality rules for coroner investigation records, files, and information, which remain confidential under the Freedom of Information Act until the coroner issues a final report.

When a death is subject to an open and ongoing law enforcement investigation or criminal trial, all coroner reports (including preliminary written reports) and investigation records remain confidential and exempt from the Freedom of Information Act until the law enforcement investigation concludes.

Confidential medical information gathered during a coroner's investigation remains exempt from public inspection and copying except as quoted in the coroner's final report.

Records, files, and information submitted to the State Crime Laboratory for forensic examination are treated as privileged and confidential under Arkansas Code § 12-12-312 and subject to the same disclosure exceptions as State Crime Laboratory records.

Bill was approved on March 21, 2023.