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HB 544

Jimmy Carter Award for Civic Engagement; establish

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Bryce Berry and 5 co-sponsors

HB 544 enhances Escambia County's medical examiner's office by ensuring qualified appointments, clear duties, and improved death investigation efficiency for public safety.

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Bill Summary · HB 544

Summary of HB 544: Escambia County Medical Examiner Legislation

Bill Number: HB 544
Title: Escambia County, powers, duties, appointment, and compensation of medical examiner further provided for
Status: Enacted
Introduced: April 08, 2025
Classification: Bill
Subject: Escambia County

Purpose and Intent

HB 544 aims to amend existing laws regarding the powers, duties, and appointment process of the medical examiner in Escambia County, Alabama. The bill seeks to enhance the operational framework of the county medical examiner's office, ensuring that it functions effectively and in accordance with updated standards.

Key Provisions

The bill includes several significant amendments to the Code of Alabama 1975, specifically targeting Sections 45-27-60.01, 45-27-60.02, 45-27-60.03, 45-27-60.04, 45-27-60.06, 45-27-60.07, 45-27-60.12, and 45-27-60.15. The main changes are as follows:

  1. Appointment Process:

    • The county medical examiner must be a licensed physician in Alabama.
    • The appointment is made by the senior state medical examiner in Region IV of the Alabama Department of Forensic Sciences, with approval from the Director of the Department.
    • A nominating committee, including local officials such as the Chair of the Escambia County Commission and the District Attorney, will submit a list of qualified candidates.

  2. Term and Compensation:

    • The county medical examiner will serve a six-year term, aligned with the term of the Escambia County District Attorney.
    • The bill repeals previous provisions regarding the compensation of the county medical examiner, establishing them as a contract employee of the Alabama Department of Forensic Sciences.

  3. Duties and Responsibilities:

    • The medical examiner is responsible for investigating specific categories of deaths, including sudden, violent, or suspicious deaths, as well as deaths in custody or unattended by a physician.
    • The medical examiner must complete eight hours of training in death investigation annually.

  4. Interim Appointments:

    • In the event of a vacancy, an interim medical examiner will be appointed within 14 days, and a permanent appointment will follow within 90 days.

  5. Assistant Medical Examiners:

    • The county medical examiner may appoint assistant medical examiners to aid in investigations, who must also be approved by the senior medical examiner and the Director of the Alabama Department of Forensic Sciences.

Impact

This legislation directly affects the operations of the medical examiner's office in Escambia County, ensuring that it is staffed by qualified professionals and operates under a clear set of guidelines. The changes aim to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of death investigations, which can have significant implications for public health and safety.

Procedural Timeline

  • April 08, 2025: Bill introduced and referred to the House Committee on Local Legislation.
  • April 10, 2025: Bill read for the first time and reported out of committee.
  • April 22, 2025: Bill read for the second time and placed on the calendar.
  • May 14, 2025: Bill passed and enrolled, ready for the Governor's signature.
  • May 22, 2025: Bill enacted into law.

This summary provides a comprehensive overview of HB 544, detailing its purpose, key provisions, and the impact it is expected to have on the Escambia County medical examiner's office.

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

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