AN ACT to create and enact a new subdivision to subsection 4 of section 23-01-05.5 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to the disclosure of an autopsy report; and to amend and reenact subsection 4 of section 11-19.1-11 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to authorizing the coroner and the state forensic examiner to disclose autopsy reports to the department of corrections and rehabilitation.
House Bill No. 1116 amends existing North Dakota law regarding the confidentiality and disclosure of autopsy reports, specifically in relation to the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation. The bill allows coroners and the state forensic examiner to disclose autopsy reports to the department if the deceased was an inmate in a correctional facility. This change aims to facilitate investigations and oversight related to inmate deaths, ensuring that relevant authorities have access to necessary information.
The bill modifies the North Dakota Century Code, particularly sections 11-19.1-11 and 23-01-05.5, by creating a new provision that mandates the disclosure of autopsy reports for deceased inmates to the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation. This change is expected to enhance transparency and accountability in the handling of inmate deaths, potentially impacting how investigations are conducted within correctional facilities.
The sentiment surrounding HB1116 appears to be overwhelmingly positive, as evidenced by the unanimous support in both the House and Senate votes, with no opposing votes recorded. This suggests a strong consensus on the importance of ensuring that the Department of Corrections has access to autopsy information for deceased inmates.
There are no notable points of contention reported in the discussions or voting history regarding HB1116. The bill received broad support, indicating that stakeholders, including lawmakers and potentially the Department of Corrections, are in agreement on the need for this legislative change.