The bill amends and reenacts R.S. 13:5713(F) and enacts R.S. 13:5713(K) to clarify the duties of coroners in Louisiana, particularly regarding sexual assault examinations. The previous requirement for the coroner to examine all alleged victims of sexually oriented criminal offenses has been removed, along with the provision allowing the coroner to designate a hospital or healthcare provider for forensic medical examinations. Instead, the coroner is now mandated to implement and comply with all obligations and requirements imposed by R.S. 40:1216.1 and the regional sexual assault response plan, which the coroner must annually sign to indicate approval.

Additionally, the new section R.S. 13:5713(K) provides a contingency for when a coroner is unable, unwilling, unqualified, or has a conflict of interest in performing their duties. In such cases, the duties may be carried out by the coroner of an adjacent parish or one within the same regional health service district. The attorney general is tasked with determining the existence of any conflict or unqualification based on the relevant facts and circumstances. The bill will take effect upon the governor's signature or after the designated period for bills to become law without signature.

Statutes affected:
SB447 Original: 13:5713(F)
SB447 Engrossed: 13:5713(F)
SB447 Enrolled: 13:5713(F)
SB447 Act 354: 13:5713(F)