This bill amends the Code of Alabama 1975 to redefine the role and responsibilities of the county medical examiner in Escambia County, now titled "Escambia County Medical Examiner." Key changes include the establishment of a nominating committee for the appointment process, which will consist 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. The county medical examiner will serve a six-year term, with provisions for interim appointments in case of vacancies. The bill also mandates annual training in death investigation and expands the authority of the county medical examiner to investigate specific categories of deaths, perform autopsies under certain conditions, and execute death certificates.

Additionally, the bill introduces a Medical Examiner Fund to ensure adequate funding for the office and transfers control of equipment from the coroner's office to the county medical examiner. It repeals Section 45-27-60.14, which previously addressed the compensation of the county medical examiner, indicating a shift in how funding and compensation may be structured. The changes are set to take effect on October 1, 2025, reflecting a comprehensive update to the operational framework of the county medical examiner's office in Escambia County.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 45-27-60