AZ HB2225

Amends Arizona Revised Statutes Section 11-597 to clarify that medical examiners may retain tissue samples, specimens, and biological materials during death investigations and autopsies.

Expands liability exemptions for physicians and medical personnel who request, perform, or participate in autopsies or death investigations to include external examinations and reporting of results.

Adds new Section 11-597.02 establishing that autopsy photographs, digital images, x-rays, and video recordings created during death investigations are not public records and require judicial approval for disclosure.

Permits disclosure of autopsy materials to specific parties without court approval, including: law enforcement, family members of the deceased, estate representatives, government agencies, healthcare providers, educational institutions for research, and defense attorneys in criminal proceedings.

Provides immunity from lawsuits for medical examiners and their employees who lawfully disclose death investigation materials pursuant to the new disclosure procedures.