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, state highway patrol, or a special agent of the bureau of criminal investigation. The language has been updated to clarify 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.

Additionally, the bill addresses situations where a coroner is unavailable due to distance or adverse conditions, allowing the sheriff, state highway patrol, or special agent to request the state forensic examiner or their designee to investigate and certify the medical cause of death. The amendments streamline the process and clarify the roles of various officials in handling coroner cases when the designated coroner is not present.

Statutes affected:
INTRODUCED: 11-19.1-06