Bill > SB115

This bill modifies Maryland law regarding the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner's record-keeping and disclosure practices. It introduces a new definition for "final autopsy diagnosis" as the interpretations and conclusions of a medical examiner or forensic pathologist in an autopsy report. The bill requires the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner to maintain a new investigative database for medical examiner and forensic pathologist cases, with a critical provision that most electronic data and records in this database will be exempt from public inspection under the Maryland Public Information Act, with the exception of final autopsy diagnoses. The bill clarifies that while specific types of medical and personal information can be withheld from public records, individuals can still access certain information about themselves. The legislation also maintains existing provisions about record-keeping, such as indexing details about deceased individuals, recording death circumstances, and allowing the Chief Medical Examiner to provide records to State's Attorneys. The bill will take effect on October 1, 2025, providing time for the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner to implement the new database and disclosure requirements.

Budget and Finance

Finance (Senate)

https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/SB0115?ys=2025RS