Senate committee backs bill to shield coroner photos from public disclosure, allows family access

The Senate Judiciary & Rules Committee voted to send S 1250 to the Senate floor with a do-pass recommendation after testimony and debate on Feb. 11. Senator Melissa Wintrow, the bill sponsor, told the panel the measure would amend the Idaho Public Records Act so that photos of deceased individuals taken during coroner or law enforcement investigations would not be publicly disclosed, while allowing designated family members to obtain such images: "family members as defined in the bill may have access to photos as well," she said.

Supporters and family members described the proposal as a balance between preserving dignity and protecting public health and safety while retaining investigative integrity. Wintrow outlined the bill's proposed next-of-kin order as "spouse, adult child, parents, siblings, and grandparents." County groups, coroners and prosecutors provided input during the hearing, and the sponsor said the language reflects that stakeholder feedback.

Committee members and witnesses spent the hearing discussing operational and legal questions. Witness Allen Hodges, a Canyon County resident who recounted his experience with his deceased minor daughter, said the bill's choice of the word "may" could allow too much discretion and delay family access. Aaron Bazzoli, Chief Civil Prosecuting Attorney for Canyon County, questioned how next of kin would be confirmed and how images of minor children would be handled, saying the bill "did not go far enough to protect the complete dissemination of information." Coroners and county officials said they supported the bill's privacy aims but acknowledged implementation questions remain.

Senator Foreman moved to send the bill to the floor with a do-pass recommendation; Senator Lent seconded and the motion passed by voice vote. The committee adjourned at 2:04 p.m.