A Resolution designating the week of January 24 through 30, 2027, as "Medicolegal Death Investigation Professionals Week" in Pennsylvania.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Eddie Pashinski and 3 co-sponsors

Designates January 24–30, 2027 as Medicolegal Death Investigation Professionals Week to recognize coroners, medical examiners, and related staff in Pennsylvania.

Referred to Veterans Affairs & Emergency Preparedness

Summary of HR 581 (PA) – Session 2025-2026

Purpose and Intent

Designates a specific week in 2027 in Pennsylvania as “Medicolegal Death Investigation Professionals Week.”

The resolution aims to recognize and honor the work of professionals who perform medicolegal death investigations, including coroners, medical examiners, forensic pathologists, and associated staff.

Key Provisions

Proclamation of Week: The bill designates January 24 through January 30, 2027, as Medicolegal Death Investigation Professionals Week in Pennsylvania.

Recognitions and Observances: While the text provided does not specify other activities, designations of a week typically encourage official acknowledgments, proclamations by state and local officials, and possible educational or commemorative events.

Scope of Professionals Recognized: The designation broadly covers individuals involved in medicolegal death investigations, which may include medical examiners, coroners, forensic pathologists, investigators, and support personnel.

Who is Affected

Medicolegal death investigation professionals across Pennsylvania (state, county, and local jurisdictions), as well as institutions and agencies that conduct or support death investigations.

The designation may also influence public institutions (courts, schools, universities, medical examiner offices) to participate in or promote related events or recognitions during the designated week.

Procedural and Timeline Details

Legislative Type: Concurrent resolution designating a specific week.

Effective Date: Typically effective upon passage and adoption by the Pennsylvania General Assembly, with the commemorative designation applicable in January 2027.

Observance Window: The designated week runs from January 24 to January 30, 2027.

Sponsors: Primary and co-sponsors include:

Co-sponsors: Joe Webster, Dan Williams, Ben Sanchez, Eddie Pashinski

Process: As a resolution, it would express the sentiment of recognizing the professionals and may require no funding or implementing measures beyond any customary ceremonial actions.

Practical Impact

Formal recognition and public acknowledgment of the vital role played by medicolegal death investigation professionals.

Potentially fosters public awareness about the importance of medicolegal investigations in public health, justice, and crime investigation.

May encourage local governments and organizations to host events, issue proclamations, or engage in educational activities during Medicolegal Death Investigation Professionals Week.

Notes

The summary reflects typical content for a commemorative resolution. The actual text may specify additional reflective statements, acknowledgments, or suggested activities for the designated week.