Bill > A07880

This bill amends the New York State Correction Law to require the state to pay for independent autopsies when the next of kin of an incarcerated individual who dies while in the custody of the Department of Corrections and Community Supervision requests one. Specifically, the bill mandates that the reasonable expenses of such an independent autopsy will be a state charge to the extent they are not otherwise reimbursed. The next of kin will be able to request and be granted an independent autopsy after receiving the death certificate. Reimbursement for these autopsy expenses will be processed through annual vouchers that are certified by the chief fiscal officer of the county or city and then audited and processed by the state comptroller. This legislation appears aimed at providing transparency and additional investigative options to families of individuals who die while in state custody, by ensuring they can obtain an independent medical examination without bearing the financial burden themselves.

Justice

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A7880