The bill establishes new regulations regarding the autopsy procedures for decedents identified as violent offenders, as defined within the bill. It mandates that medical examiners consult with mental health professionals to gather information on the decedent's history of psychotropic drug use and perform toxicology screenings to detect the presence of intoxicating substances. The findings from these autopsies must be documented in the final report and reported to relevant state departments, including the Department of Law Enforcement and the Department of Health. Additionally, the bill amends existing laws to allow the release of certain patient records to law enforcement without patient consent when investigating violent offenders.
Furthermore, the bill requires school safety specialists and safe-school officers to receive training on the adverse effects of psychotropic drugs and intoxicating substances. This training aims to equip school personnel with the knowledge to identify and safely interact with students who may be under the influence of such substances, including techniques for de-escalation. The bill also includes a conforming amendment to existing law regarding the fees for copies of medical records, ensuring they align with the new provisions. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2026.
Statutes affected: H 1519 Filed: 1006.07, 1006.12, 381.028