The bill modifies the process for correcting the manner of death listed on a death certificate in cases of opioid-related drug overdoses that result in a controlled substance homicide conviction. It allows a qualified family member to request a correction to the manner of death to reflect homicide if the death was caused by an opioid overdose, the original manner of death is not listed as homicide, and there is a conviction for controlled substance homicide under RCW 69.50.415. The coroner or medical examiner is required to submit an affidavit correcting the manner of death to homicide within ten calendar days of receiving notice from the court clerk.

Additionally, the bill establishes a new requirement for the court clerk to provide the judgment and sentence from a controlled substance homicide case to the coroner or medical examiner within thirty calendar days of receiving a request from a qualified family member. This aims to ensure that the death certificate accurately reflects the circumstances surrounding the death in cases where a conviction has been made.

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 70.58A.200