The bill amends the Code of Alabama 1975 to redefine the role of the "Escambia County Medical Examiner," mandating that the position be filled by a licensed physician. It revises the appointment process to include a nominating committee composed of the Chair of the Escambia County Commission, the District Attorney, the Sheriff, and the Chief Medical Examiner of the Alabama Department of Forensic Sciences, who will submit candidates to the Director of the Alabama Department of Forensic Sciences for final selection. The bill establishes a six-year term for the medical examiner and outlines procedures for filling any vacancies. Additionally, it introduces new provisions regarding the duties of the county medical examiner, including the investigation of specific types of deaths, and mandates annual training in death investigation.

The bill also modifies the procedures surrounding autopsies and death investigations, allowing a state medical examiner to perform autopsies under certain conditions, such as at the request of the Governor or during criminal investigations. It clarifies that if the county medical examiner does not deem an autopsy necessary but the next of kin requests one, it can be conducted at their expense. Furthermore, the bill repeals Section 45-27-60.14, which dealt with the compensation of the county medical examiner, and establishes a Medical Examiner Fund to manage appropriations previously allocated to the coroner's office. These changes are set to take effect on October 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 45-27-60
Enrolled: 45-27-60