Bill > A05131

This bill abolishes the office of coroner in most New York counties, with specific exceptions for Lewis and Madison counties. Under the proposed legislation, county boards of supervisors will have the power to create a medical examiner's office in place of the traditional coroner's office, subject to a permissive referendum. The bill mandates that the terms of all currently serving coroners will expire once a medical examiner is appointed and qualified, and no new coroners will be elected in the county thereafter. The change aims to modernize the process of investigating deaths by replacing elected coroners (who may not have medical training) with professional medical examiners who are likely to have more specialized forensic and medical expertise. The bill will take effect on the first day of January following its passage into law, providing counties with a clear timeline for transitioning to the new system of death investigation.

Government Affairs

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A5131