Bill > A06599

This bill establishes an independent Office of Chief Medical Examiner within the Department of Corrections and Community Supervision, which would be led by a chief medical examiner, a deputy chief medical examiner, and eight associate medical examiners, all appointed by the governor and required to be doctors of medicine with forensic pathology certification and significant death investigation experience. The office would have broad investigative powers for deaths occurring in correctional facilities, including conducting independent autopsies, collecting data, taking sworn testimony, and publishing detailed public reports. Specifically, the chief medical examiner would be required to publish annual reports with individual-level data about incarcerated deaths, including information on cause, manner, age, race/ethnicity, and sex, as well as preliminary death reports within 90 days of each death. The office would also be required to deliver copies of all reports to the district attorney, attorney general, commissioner, and legislature. The bill emphasizes the independence of the chief medical examiner, stipulating that the commission's chairperson cannot interfere with the office's performance of its duties. The legislation would take effect 180 days after becoming law.

Budget and Finance, Justice

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A6599