Senate Bill 1480 amends Tennessee Code Annotated, specifically Section 38-7-109(b), regarding the procedures for autopsies ordered by the district attorney general. The bill stipulates that when such an autopsy is ordered, the county medical examiner is required to notify the chief medical examiner. Furthermore, the county medical examiner has the option to perform the autopsy themselves or designate and authorize a pathologist to carry it out, as outlined in Section 38-7-105.

Additionally, the bill clarifies that the costs and expenses associated with the autopsy will be covered by the state, similar to other costs that are chargeable to the state. This legislation is set to take effect on July 1, 2026, emphasizing the importance of ensuring proper procedures and funding for autopsies in Tennessee.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 38-7-109(b), 38-7-109