This bill aims to enhance public safety by modifying procedures and training related to the investigation of potentially suspicious deaths involving domestic violence. It introduces new definitions and requirements for coroners and medical examiners when handling cases classified as domestic violence-related suspicious deaths. Key provisions include the obligation to review the decedent's domestic violence history, flag cases accordingly, and coordinate with law enforcement to ensure thorough investigations. Additionally, family members of the deceased are granted the right to request investigative records within a year of the case closure, recognizing them as crime victims eligible for support services.

The bill also mandates law enforcement to conduct a predominant aggressor review in cases involving current or former intimate partners, ensuring that the history of domestic abuse is considered when determining the primary perpetrator. Furthermore, it establishes a new training course for peace officers focused on identifying staged crime scenes and recognizing indicators of domestic homicide. The legislation emphasizes the importance of collaboration between law enforcement and medical examiners, requiring comprehensive documentation and coordination throughout the investigative process. Overall, the bill seeks to improve the handling of domestic violence-related deaths and enhance the training of those involved in such investigations.

Statutes affected:
Introduction: 390.11, 626.8451