SB 1189 Summary

• Requires forensic autopsies to be conducted and results determined only by licensed physicians and surgeons, with trained county personnel allowed to assist under their direction and supervision.

• Designates the coroner or medical examiner as responsible for determining manner of death, and requires consultation with the conducting physician if one is involved.

• Prohibits law enforcement personnel directly involved in a death from participating in or being present during the autopsy in cases where death resulted from law enforcement activity.

• Requires law enforcement to provide all related reports, crime scene information, videos, and laboratory tests to the autopsy physician prior to completion of the investigation in law enforcement-related deaths.

• Requires all autopsy suite personnel to be informed of bloodborne pathogen risks and mandates use of personal protective equipment; restricts autopsy suite access to those directly involved in the death investigation, with limited exceptions for educational and research purposes.