Bill > HB2094

This bill requires coroners to be appointed rather than elected across Washington state, aiming to reduce taxpayer costs and ensure more qualified individuals serve in this critical public safety role. The legislation finds that coroner positions are not inherently political and should be filled based on technical skills, medical knowledge, and investigative abilities. Under the new law, each county legislative authority must appoint a coroner, with current elected coroners allowed to complete their existing terms before being replaced by appointees. Counties with populations of 250,000 or more may still choose to replace the coroner with a medical examiner system. The bill also updates various related statutes to remove references to elected coroners and adjusts training and certification requirements to reflect the new appointment process. Existing language about coroner salaries and bonding requirements is modified to align with the new appointment approach. The legislature declares this change necessary for immediate implementation to support public health and safety, with the act taking effect immediately upon passage.

Government Affairs

https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=2094&Year=2025&Initiative=false