Louisiana House Bill HB513

Louisiana 2020 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/28/20
• Refer: 2/28/20
• Refer: 3/9/20

Caption

Provides relative to coroner duties involving the death of an offender in the custody of the Department of Public Safety and Corrections

Impact

The passage of HB 513 could lead to significant changes in state law, particularly in how death investigations are conducted for offenders. By allowing the Department of Public Safety and Corrections to circumvent a coroner who declines to act, the bill aims to improve accountability and transparency in the processes surrounding in-custody deaths. Proponents argue that this will lead to more comprehensive investigations and provide able oversight of situations that normally could be unchecked due to bureaucratic refusals.

Summary

House Bill 513 seeks to modify the responsibilities of coroners regarding the investigations and autopsies of offenders who die while in the custody of the Department of Public Safety and Corrections. Specifically, the bill allows for a procedure where, if a coroner refuses a request for an autopsy or investigation made by the Department, that department can either reach out to a coroner from another parish or directly appoint a qualified physician to perform the autopsy, with the costs incurred by the Department. This bill aims to ensure that all deaths of offenders under state custody are adequately investigated, regardless of any individual coroner's decision.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB 513 appears primarily supportive from various legislative discussions and stakeholders involved. Proponents of the bill, including members of law enforcement and public safety advocacy groups, see it as a necessary measure to ensure that all deaths that occur under state supervision are treated with the seriousness they warrant. However, there may be concerns among some medical professionals regarding the implications of bypassing local coroners, potentially raising questions about jurisdiction and respect for local governance.

Contention

Notable points of contention relate to the potential for this bill to disrupt established protocols and relationships between coroners and state agencies. Critics may argue that allowing the Department of Public Safety to act independently of a coroner could lead to conflicts and inconsistencies in how investigations are handled across different parishes. There may also be worries about the financial impact on the Department, as they would bear the costs of any external autopsy undertaken, which could strain budgets.