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Committee advances bill requiring coroner candidates to complete training and submit fingerprints; amendment adopted
Summary
Lawmakers advanced a bill requiring coroner candidates to complete a forensic certification course before taking office and to provide fingerprint/background checks to party executive committees; the committee approved two committee amendments and reported the bill favorably by roll call.
The committee voted to report favorably a bill that would change qualifications for coroner candidates by requiring completion of the forensic science certification program before taking office and by adding fingerprint and background‑check requirements.
Mr. Britton presented the bill (identified in committee as H 30‑48) and said the proposal would require candidates to undergo a background check and provide fingerprints. The subcommittee amendment directs that candidates, rather than SLED, provide fingerprints and background results to their political party's county executive committee because the State Law Enforcement Division (SLED) cannot make the direct request to local party authorities.
Representative Dan King offered an amendment to require fingerprint/background checks for all elected public officials; the committee voted to table that amendment. Representative Robbins and other members questioned the 130‑day filing timeline; committee members later adopted a Britton amendment to change the filing requirement so fingerprint results are provided at the time the candidate files for office.
The committee then took a roll‑call vote on H 30‑48 as amended. The clerk recorded 18 in favor, 2 against and 4 not voting; the bill received a favorable report and will move forward for consideration on the floor.
Supporters said coroners routinely enter private homes and handle personal effects and that the additional checks would improve public trust in death‑investigation officials. Opponents and several members raised concerns about singling out coroners, the potential for a chilling effect on candidates, and whether the office should be converted to a medical‑examiner system; those concerns were discussed but did not prevent the favorable report.
