Quick take: ProPublica reports Idaho is developing legislation aimed at strengthening its coroner system, including requiring autopsies in more situations such as unexplained child deaths, and reimbursing costs when coroners obtain national certification.
What’s being reported
- An advisory panel requested by Gov. Brad Little is developing legislation to require autopsies in additional circumstances, including unexplained child deaths.
- The proposal would reimburse autopsy costs if coroners obtain national certification, and would be financed through increased death certificate fees, per the report.
- ProPublica cites prior reviews/oversight findings that Idaho ranked last in the U.S. for autopsies in unexpected child/infant deaths and that funding and training gaps were contributing factors.
Why this matters
- Death investigations can determine whether a death is accidental, natural, or potentially criminal — and missing autopsies can leave families without answers and cases unresolved.
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