An Act relative to autopsy reports by the medical examiner

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Marjorie Decker and 5 co-sponsors

Requires the medical examiner to complete autopsy reports within 90 days of jurisdiction, issue delay notices when needed, and file biannual timeliness reports to lawmakers.

Bill reported favorably by committee and referred to the committee on House Ways and Means

Overview

H.2392 proposes changes to how autopsy reports are conducted and disclosed in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. The bill would require the medical examiner to complete and provide autopsy reports within a defined timeframe after taking jurisdiction over a deceased person and would obligate periodic reporting to the Legislature detailing autopsy timeliness and reasons for any delays. The measure was introduced on February 27, 2025, was reported favorably by a committee, and referred to the House Ways and Means Committee. A public hearing was scheduled for July 10, 2025.

What the bill would do

Autopsy report timeline

When the medical examiner takes jurisdiction, they must conduct an autopsy and provide the autopsy report to anyone legally entitled to receive it within 90 days.
If a delay is anticipated, the examiner must issue a delay notice to all legally entitled recipients, stating the date the autopsy report will be complete and the reason for the delay.

Biannual legislative reporting

By December 31 of every even-numbered year, the medical examiner must submit a report to the clerks of the Massachusetts House and Senate and to the Joint Committee on Public Health.
The report must include:
(i) The number of autopsies completed within 90 days of jurisdiction.
(ii) The number of autopsies not completed within 90 days.
(iii) The reasons why any autopsies were not completed within 90 days.

Who would be affected

The Office of the Medical Examiner (the agency responsible for autopsies in Massachusetts).

Individuals or entities legally entitled to receive autopsy reports (e.g., family members, default recipients under law).

Massachusetts General Court (House and Senate clerks and the Joint Committee on Public Health), which would receive regular transparency reports.

Potentially the broader public and media, through increased timeliness data and public accountability.

Key details and timeline

Legal mechanism: The bill amends Section 4 of Chapter 38 of the General Laws to add:

A 90-day autopsy completion requirement following jurisdiction.
A process for delay notices if delays are anticipated.
A biannual reporting requirement to legislative clerks and the Joint Committee on Public Health.

Timing considerations:

Autopsy reports due within 90 days unless a delay notice is issued with a new completion date and rationale.
Biennial report due by December 31 of even-numbered years.

Legislative status:

Introduced February 27, 2025.
Referred to Public Health; later reported favorably by committee and referred to House Ways and Means.
Hearing scheduled (per the provided schedule) for July 10, 2025, in the A-1 chamber.

Potential impact

Increased transparency and accountability in autopsy processing and reporting.

Clear statutory benchmark (90 days) for autopsy completion, with documented exceptions.

Regular, published data to inform policymakers, families, and the public about autopsy timeliness and bottlenecks.

Administrative implications for the medical examiner’s office to track and report timely performance data.

Bill