Bill > SB273

This bill establishes a new requirement for healthcare facilities in Colorado regarding blood draws in coroner investigations. Specifically, when a coroner is conducting an inquest or investigation, they may request that a licensed or certified healthcare facility retain and safely store a blood draw or admission blood sample from the deceased individual for a period of fourteen days. The coroner must serve this retention request on either the deceased's attending physician, the clinical leadership of the healthcare facility where the individual died, or the facility's laboratory that currently has the blood sample in its possession. This provision appears designed to help coroners have access to potential evidence for a reasonable period while conducting death investigations, ensuring that important biological samples are preserved and available for further examination if needed. The bill will take effect at 12:01 a.m. after the ninety-day period following the general assembly's final adjournment, with a provision for potential referendum review by voters in November 2026 if challenged.

Health and Social Services, Justice

https://leg.colorado.gov/bills/sb25-273