Bill > HB1349

This bill requires county medical examiners to conduct a detailed investigation of drug use in cases of mass shootings involving four or more fatalities. Specifically, medical examiners must consult the deceased's mental health professionals or primary care physicians to obtain information about psychotropic drug use, and test for the presence of drugs, including therapeutic levels of psychotropic medications. The bill defines "psychotropic drugs" broadly, encompassing medications that affect mood, behavior, and mental health, such as antidepressants, antipsychotics, anxiolytics, and stimulants. The medical examiner's office must then disclose the drug information (without personal identifying details) to the University of Tennessee's health science center and the department of health. The health science center is mandated to study drug interactions and submit quarterly reports to the state legislature. The bill aims to provide insights into potential pharmaceutical factors that might be associated with mass shooting events, while maintaining patient privacy protections. The legislation will take effect on July 1, 2025, and applies to specific investigative procedures following mass shooting incidents.

Health and Social Services

https://wapp.capitol.tn.gov/apps/Billinfo/default.aspx?BillNumber=HB1349&ga=114