HB 24-1244 Summary

• Establishes autopsy reports for deceased minors (under 18) as confidential, non-public records with limited exceptions for authorized release.

• Allows coroners to release full autopsy reports only to specified parties including parents/guardians, law enforcement, courts in civil/criminal cases, child fatality review teams, health care facilities, and state/local government agencies investigating the death.

• Requires coroners to release basic information (cause of death, time/place/manner, age/gender/race, and name) to any member of the public within three business days of request.

• Permits individuals to petition district court for autopsy report access if they demonstrate public disclosure substantially outweighs privacy interests and the information is not otherwise publicly available.

• Takes effect January 1, 2025, subject to voter approval if a referendum petition is filed within 90 days after legislative adjournment.