summary
Introduced
02/02/2026
02/02/2026
In Committee
02/19/2026
02/19/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
2026 Legislative Measures
Bill Summary
The statement includes a measure digest written in compliance with applicable readability standards. Digest: This Act changes laws related to what government must do after a person dies in some situations. (Flesch Readability Score: 60.1). Directs law enforcement specified investigators of deaths of decedents , prior to making any findings as to the cause or manner of death where the decedent is suspected to have died from sui- cide, overdose or accident or other undetermined cause , to review documented evidence of abuse and interview family members of the decedent if the decedent has a history as a victim of domestic violence or child abuse and certain conditions exist. Requires law enforcement to submit a written request to the district medical examiner for the performance of an autopsy if a reasonable basis exists that the death of the decedent may be the result of domestic violence or child abuse. Directs a medical examiner or district attorney to order the performance of an autopsy in certain circumstances. Directs the law enforcement officer or district medical examiner to request further post-mortem examination of the decedent if a reasonable basis exists to suspect the death is a homicide due to domestic violence or child abuse. Directs the Chief Medical Examiner to engage in collaborative consultation regarding appropriate actions to take. Prohibits the release of the body of the decedent until the consultation has occurred and recommended actions have been completed. Authorizes appropriate post-mortem assessments. Provides that certain individuals may examine and obtain copies of evidence generated during an autopsy or investigation of death. Requires law enforcement to provide notice of rights to certain members of the decedent’s family upon opening an investigation of a death that is suspected to have been caused by suicide , overdose or accident or occurred under suspicious circumstances .
AI Summary
This bill mandates specific procedures for law enforcement and medical examiners when investigating deaths suspected to be from suicide, overdose, accident, or other undetermined causes, particularly if the deceased had a history of domestic violence or child abuse. Investigators must review evidence of past abuse and interview family members if certain conditions are met, such as the death occurring prematurely or in a suspicious manner, or if the deceased was in a troubled relationship or had a history of strangulation. If there's a reasonable basis to suspect the death might be a homicide resulting from domestic violence or child abuse, law enforcement or the district medical examiner must request further examination and consult with the Chief Medical Examiner, and the body cannot be released until this consultation and any recommended actions are completed. The bill also clarifies that medical examiners or district attorneys can order autopsies or other post-mortem assessments in these suspected homicide cases and grants certain family members the right to examine and obtain copies of evidence generated during death investigations and autopsies, and requires law enforcement to inform families of their rights when opening an investigation into a suspicious death.
Committee Categories
Budget and Finance, Justice
Sponsors (11)
Sara Gelser Blouin (D)*,
James Manning (D)*,
Mark Meek (D)*,
Rob Nosse (D)*,
Floyd Prozanski (D)*,
Anthony Broadman (D),
April Dobson (D),
Sarah Finger McDonald (D),
Courtney Neron Misslin (D),
Jules Walters (D),
Suzanne Weber (R),
Last Action
Referred to Ways and Means by order of the President. (on 02/19/2026)
Official Document
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bill summary
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