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Bill Summary · HB 2315

Overview

Missouri House Bill 2315 (2026) aims to reform how suspicious deaths, especially those with a history of domestic violence, are investigated and documented. It focuses on confidentiality of autopsy-related photos, the role of law enforcement in determining whether a death is related to domestic violence, and ensuring transparency and access to records for families in certain cases.

Main purpose and intent

  • To protect the privacy of deceased individuals by restricting dissemination of autopsy photographs and related materials.
  • To enhance consideration of domestic violence histories in death investigations.
  • To clarify investigative procedures when a death involves potential domestic violence, including when and how families may access records.

Key provisions and changes

  1. 58.212 – Restriction on autopsy-related photographs and disseminations

    • Prohibits making or disseminating photographs, negatives, prints, or video of the deceased body taken by or for the coroner, with limited exceptions.
    • Allowed uses:
      • In a criminal action or proceeding related to the death.
      • By court order after showing good cause (with five days’ notice to the prosecuting attorney).
      • As permitted under section 610.205.
      • In certain civil actions if a legal heir or representative subpoenas or provides written authorization (including verified identity and a certified death certificate).
    • Exceptions:
      • For forensic pathology education/research, or investigative purposes by law enforcement or U.S. agencies.
    • Coroner immunity:
      • Coroners are not personally liable for monetary damages for acts performed in compliance with this section.
    • Definitions:
      • “Family member” means a parent, sibling, or child of the deceased.

  2. 58.451 – Mandatory consideration of domestic violence history in certain deaths

    • When a death occurs with reasonable grounds to believe it resulted from homicide, suicide, accident, or similar scenarios, notification must include information about any identifiable history of domestic violence.
    • Coroner/deputy coroner must take charge, investigate, and gather witness information as part of determining cause and manner of death.
    • Property on the body may be inventoried and turned over, and evidence may be forwarded to the prosecuting attorney.

  3. 58.720 – Medical examiner processes when domestic violence history is present

    • Similar provisions to 58.451 but for deaths within counties with a medical examiner.
    • Requires notification of known facts to the medical examiner, who then takes charge and investigates.
    • Same restrictions on natural death determinations in hospice settings and the handling of autopsies and evidence.

  4. 455.543 – Definitions and procedures regarding domestic violence and investigative factors

    • Defines terms related to domestic violence, including “identifiable history of being victimized by domestic violence.”
    • Requires law enforcement to determine whether a homicide or suicide is related to domestic violence in investigations.
    • Before finalizing findings about cause/manner of death for cases with a history of domestic violence, investigators may be required to interview family or close associates if several factors are present.
    • Allows law enforcement to request a complete autopsy in certain cases where a domestic violence history exists and listed conditions are met (e.g., untimely death, suicide/accident appearance, coercive control, residence at the time of death, etc.).
    • Ensures family members have access to victim services during investigations and records access if a case is closed as not a homicide.
    • Clarifies that the statute does not compel ongoing investigations to be compromised or impose additional liability on agencies.

Who/what would be affected

  • Coroners and medical examiners: new duties around handling photographs, autopsies, and documenting domestic violence history.
  • Law enforcement: required to include domestic violence history in notifications; possibly interview family/household members before finalizing determinations in certain cases.
  • Families and legal representatives: greater access to investigation records if a death is not deemed a homicide, and defined rights to victim services.
  • Prosecution offices: receive evidence and documents for investigations; potential adjustments in handling autopsy-related material.
  • Victims of domestic violence: explicit consideration in investigations and access to related services.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Effective procedures require notification of the coroner/medical examiner with domestic violence context and timely handling of the body and evidence.
  • Autopsy-related materials may be released only under specified conditions, including court orders, civil subpoenas by legal heirs/representatives, or written authorization with verified identities.
  • For deaths with an identifiable domestic violence history, investigators may need to interview family/close friends before finalizing conclusions if multiple factors exist.
  • Hospice death provisions allow natural deaths to avoid unnecessary investigations, with hospice notifying the appropriate authorities within 24 hours.

Summary

HB 2315 introduces privacy protections for autopsy-related materials, strengthens the integration of domestic violence history into death investigations, and expands family rights to records and services when a death is investigated. It aims to improve accuracy in determining cause and manner of death in cases involving domestic violence while safeguarding sensitive materials and ensuring appropriate accountability.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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