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Coroners' association opposes House language to make county coroners appointed positions
Summary
The Ohio State Coroners Association urged the Senate to remove House language that would replace elected county coroners with appointees, arguing the elected system preserves independence, impartiality and national‑recognized standards for death investigations.
David Corey, executive director of the Ohio State Coroners Association, and Warren County coroner Dr. Russell Updegrove told the committee they oppose House language in the budget that would shift the county coroner from an elected office to one appointed by county commissioners.
Corey said Ohio's elected coroner system is nationally recognized and provides an independent, medically informed death investigation function. He noted commissioners already have statutory authority to appoint a coroner if no candidate files or to contract with another county for coroner services. "Why make such a drastic change to a well respected system?" Corey asked, arguing the proposed change would erode independence and not necessarily produce cost savings.
Witnesses offered alternative approaches for restructuring or regionalizing services—such as consolidation across counties—but said those discussions should occur in standalone legislation with robust stakeholder engagement rather than through budget language.
Ending: The Coroners Association asked the Senate to delete the appointment language from the budget and to preserve Ohio's elected coroner system while working separately on any efficiency proposals affecting county offices.
