SB0663 Summary

• Creates the Coroner Training Board composed of 5 members appointed by the Governor: 2 coroners, 2 forensic pathologists (one from Cook County Medical Examiner's Office and one from another county), and one Illinois citizen who is not a coroner or forensic pathologist.

• Establishes mandatory training standards and certification requirements for coroners, including a death investigation training program that coroners must complete to be assigned as lead investigators.

• Board has authority to approve coroner training schools, review training curriculum, vet applicant character and criminal history, and can issue waivers for experienced death or homicide investigators.

• Removes coroners from the Illinois Law Enforcement Training Standards Board's death and homicide investigation training program and transfers that responsibility to the new Coroner Training Board.

• Allocates 25% of Death Certificate Surcharge Fund revenues to the Coroner Training Board for training coroners, deputy coroners, forensic pathologists, and police officers in death investigations and related travel and lodging expenses.