CA SB1303

Requires counties with a population of 500,000 or greater (excluding charter counties) to replace the coroner's office with a medical examiner's office or adopt a conflict-of-interest referral policy by July 1, 2020.

Medical examiner must be appointed by the board of supervisors or county executive officer and must be a board-certified forensic pathologist with at least three years of experience.

Medical examiner's office must operate independently from other county agencies when conducting autopsies and determining cause and manner of death.

Authorizes counties with populations under 500,000 to voluntarily replace the coroner's office with an appointed medical examiner position.

Provides for state reimbursement to local agencies if the Commission on State Mandates determines the bill creates state-mandated costs.