Bill > A04882

This bill amends the county law to expand the jurisdiction of coroners and medical examiners when investigating potential criminal deaths. Specifically, the legislation allows a coroner or medical examiner from any county with geographic jurisdiction over a crime (as defined in section 20.40 of the criminal procedure law) to have concurrent authority to investigate a death that may have resulted from criminal activity. This means that if there are reasonable grounds to suspect a crime was involved in a person's death, multiple county coroners or medical examiners can now jointly investigate the case, which could help ensure a more comprehensive and thorough examination. The bill adds this provision as a new subdivision to the existing county law, effectively broadening the investigative powers of local medical and forensic officials in cases where criminal activity might be a factor in a death. The act would take effect immediately upon passage.

Government Affairs

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A4882