Bill > HB1246

This bill amends North Dakota law to clarify the procedures for handling coroner duties when a county's coroner is not available. Specifically, the bill modifies existing regulations to specify that in counties without a resident or available coroner, the sheriff, state highway patrol, or a special agent from the bureau of criminal investigation can perform coroner duties. These authorized individuals must now call upon a coroner or deputy coroner from another county (rather than specifically an adjacent county) to investigate the medical cause of death. In situations where a coroner cannot be reached due to distance or adverse conditions, these officials are authorized to request the state forensic examiner or their designee to investigate and certify the medical cause of death. The changes appear to provide more flexibility in handling death investigations in counties with limited coroner resources, ensuring that proper medical investigation can occur even when the primary coroner is unavailable.

Government Affairs

https://ndlegis.gov/assembly/69-2025/regular/bill-overview/bo1246.html