This bill proposes a transition in Washington State from an elected to an appointed system for selecting county coroners, aiming to enhance accountability and efficiency in death investigations. Currently, counties with populations under 40,000 can appoint a coroner, while those over 250,000 can appoint a medical examiner. The legislation seeks to standardize the appointment process across all counties, eliminating partisan elections for this non-political role. It amends several sections of the Revised Code of Washington (RCW), specifically RCW 36.16.030, to require county legislative authorities to appoint coroners. If a county has an elected coroner at the time the law takes effect, that individual may continue to serve until the end of their term.

Additionally, the bill updates training and certification requirements for coroners and medical examiners, mandating that they complete medicolegal forensic investigation training within 12 months of appointment, adhering to standards set by the criminal justice training commission and the Washington association of coroners and medical examiners. It also stipulates that counties must maintain salary contributions for elected prosecuting attorneys at levels equal to or greater than those made in 2008. If a coroner or medical examiner fails to obtain the required certification within the specified timeframe, the county may face reduced reimbursement from the death investigations account. The bill includes a provision indicating its immediate effect for the preservation of public peace, health, or safety.

Statutes affected:
Original bill: 36.16.030, 43.101.480, 36.16.050, 36.17.020, 36.24.205