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Bill

HB 1568

TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING EXAMINATIONS, INVESTIGATIONS, AND POSTMORTEM EXAMINATIONS; AND TO AMEND THE LAW REQUIRING A POSTMORTEM EXAMINATION WHEN A DEATH IS BY APPARENT DRUG, ALCOHOL, OR POISON TOXICITY.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Paul Childress and 1 co-sponsor

Act 289 mandates postmortem exams for deaths from drug, alcohol, or poison toxicity, enhancing investigations and impacting coroners and the State Crime Laboratory.

Notification that HB1568 is now Act 289
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Bill Summary · HB 1568

Summary of House Bill 1568 (Act 289)

Purpose and Intent

House Bill 1568, now known as Act 289, aims to amend existing laws concerning examinations, investigations, and postmortem examinations in the state of Arkansas. The primary focus of the bill is to clarify and enhance the requirements for postmortem examinations in cases of death due to apparent drug, alcohol, or poison toxicity.

Key Provisions

The bill introduces significant changes to Arkansas Code § 12-12-318(a)(3)(B) regarding postmortem examinations:

  • Mandatory Postmortem Examination: The county coroner is required to submit a decedent to the State Crime Laboratory for a postmortem examination when the death is attributed to apparent drug, alcohol, or poison toxicity.

  • Exemption Clause: An exemption is provided if a significant interval has passed while the individual was hospitalized, and if hospital evaluation records are available for review.

  • Definition of Hospitalized: The bill specifies that "hospitalized" refers to individuals who have been admitted to a hospital for inpatient treatment.

Who is Affected?

  • County Coroners: The bill places additional responsibilities on county coroners regarding the handling of cases involving suspected drug, alcohol, or poison-related deaths.

  • State Crime Laboratory: The State Crime Laboratory will see an increase in postmortem examination requests, potentially impacting its workload and resource allocation.

  • Families of Decedents: Families may experience changes in the timeline and processes surrounding the investigation of deaths involving suspected toxicity.

Legislative Timeline

  • Introduced: February 24, 2025
  • Amendment Adopted: February 27, 2025
  • Passed by House: March 3, 2025
  • Passed by Senate: March 10, 2025
  • Enrolled and Transmitted to Governor: March 11, 2025
  • Notification of Act: March 12, 2025

Conclusion

House Bill 1568 (Act 289) strengthens the legal framework for postmortem examinations in Arkansas, particularly in cases involving drug, alcohol, or poison toxicity. By mandating examinations under specific circumstances and clarifying definitions, the bill aims to improve the accuracy and thoroughness of death investigations in the state.

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

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