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Debate over moving county coroners from elected to appointed posts centers on Yakima case
Summary
Senate Bill 6,101 would require counties to appoint coroners rather than elect them. Supporters cited a troubled Yakima coroner as motivation; coroners’ associations and elected coroners warned appointment could undermine independence and increase costs. Testimony was split with no vote recorded.
Senate Bill 6,101 drew heated, split testimony as the committee considered whether every county legislative authority should appoint county coroners rather than have coroners elected.
Karen Epps, committee staff, summarized the bill’s mechanics: counties would be required to appoint coroners; currently elected coroners could finish their terms and then be replaced by appointment; the bill removes the requirement that an elected coroner post a bond and preserves existing paths for counties with medical examiners.
Prime sponsor Senator…
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