The bill amends South Dakota law regarding the payment of autopsy costs, specifically addressing the responsibilities of counties in different circumstances. It stipulates that a physician or surgeon appointed to conduct an autopsy, or a coroner who is also a physician or surgeon, will receive a reasonable fee for their services, which will be paid from the county's general fund. The bill outlines that if a death occurs in a county other than the decedent's county of residence, the county of residence must reimburse the county where the autopsy took place, provided that the county of residence either requested the autopsy or is where the incident leading to the death occurred.

Additionally, the bill includes provisions for situations involving a perpetrator of a crime. If such a perpetrator dies during the commission of a crime or commits suicide afterward, the county that incurred the cost of the autopsy is entitled to recover those costs, along with any related expenses, from the perpetrator's estate. This amendment aims to clarify the financial responsibilities associated with autopsy costs in various scenarios, ensuring that counties are not unduly burdened.

Statutes affected:
Introduced, 01/14/2025: 23-14-9.2
Senate Local Government Engrossed, 01/29/2025: 23-14-9.2
Senate Engrossed, 02/05/2025: 23-14-9.2
Enrolled, 02/24/2025: 23-14-9.2