SB311 Summary

• Requires coroners to be licensed physicians with at least two years of practice in medicine/surgery or osteopathic medicine, with no exemption for charter counties except physicians in good standing.

• Modifies coroner record access policies to require coroners grant journalist requests to view preliminary autopsy notes and death photographs only after the final autopsy report and death certification are complete.

• Clarifies that when autopsies are performed for out-of-county deaths or state correctional facility inmates, the responsible county or state department must pay autopsy costs including associated transportation.

• Establishes that physicians, physician assistants, and advanced practice nurses must complete and sign medical certificates of death regardless of coroner jurisdiction under supervision agreements and standard care arrangements.

• Sets expert testimony fees for coroners and deputy coroners at $350 per hour for preparation and testimony in civil actions, with fees paid to the county treasury within 30 days.