The bill amends section 11-19.1-06 of the North Dakota Century Code, which outlines the individuals authorized to perform coroner duties in the absence of a coroner. The amendment specifies that in counties where a coroner is not available, the responsibilities will be taken on by the sheriff, a state highway patrol officer, or a special agent from the bureau of criminal investigation. Additionally, it clarifies that these officials must call upon a coroner or deputy coroner from an adjacent county to investigate the medical cause of death in coroner cases.

Furthermore, the bill introduces provisions for situations where a coroner is unavailable due to distance or adverse conditions. In such cases, the sheriff, state highway patrol, or special agent is required to request the state forensic examiner or their designee to investigate and certify the medical cause of death. The amendments include the insertion of "a" before "coroner" and the deletion of various terms to streamline the language and clarify the roles of the involved parties.

Statutes affected:
INTRODUCED: 11-19.1-06
Enrollment: 11-19.1-06