This bill amends various sections of the Idaho Code related to the responsibilities and procedures of county coroners. Key changes include the removal of outdated provisions regarding when a coroner must investigate a death, replacing them with clearer criteria that specify circumstances such as suspected homicide, suicide, or deaths occurring under suspicious conditions. The bill also introduces new definitions and responsibilities for coroners, including the requirement to conduct medicolegal death investigations in collaboration with law enforcement when a death is unattended by a physician. Additionally, it establishes the role of forensic pathologists in autopsy procedures and mandates that coroners provide written notification to the guardians of minors before performing autopsies.

Further amendments include the repeal of a section regarding the appointment of deputies by coroners, updates to continuing education requirements for coroners, and the introduction of new definitions related to the duties of coroners. The bill also clarifies the terminology used in the context of death investigations, such as changing "dead bodies" to "human remains." The effective date of the bill is set for July 1, 2025, and it declares an emergency to expedite its implementation.

Statutes affected:
Bill Text: 19-4301, 19-4301B, 31-2808, 31-2809, 31-2810, 31-3107, 34-622, 39-252