CALIFORNIA LEGISLATURE 20172018 REGULAR SESSION Assembly Bill No. 242Introduced by Assembly Members Arambula and PattersonJanuary 30, 2017 An act to amend Section 27521 of, and to add Section 27521.2 to, the Government Code, relating to coroners. LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGESTAB 242, as introduced, Arambula. Coroners reports: veterans: suicide.Existing law requires a coroner to perform or cause to be performed an autopsy on a decedent, for which an autopsy has not already been performed, on request of specified relatives. Existing law requires a coroner, medical examiner, or other agency performing a postmortem examination or autopsy to prepare a final report of investigation that lists or describes certain information collected pursuant to the postmortem examination or autopsy.This bill would also require the final report of investigation to indicate whether the deceased person was an active or reserve member of the United States military, or was a member of the California National Guard, California Air National Guard, or California National Guard Reserve, either at or prior to the time of his or her death. The bill would require the person preparing the report to consult with the county veterans service officer, if he or she is unable to determine the deceased persons Armed Forces status. The bill would also require the coroner to make data on veteran suicides available to the State Department of Public Health and would require the State Department of Public Health to annually report data on veteran suicides to the Legislature and the Department of Veterans Affairs. By imposing new duties on county coroners, this bill would impose a state-mandated local program.The California Constitution requires the state to reimburse local agencies and school districts for certain costs mandated by the state. Statutory provisions establish procedures for making that reimbursement.This bill would provide that, if the Commission on State Mandates determines that the bill contains costs mandated by the state, reimbursement for those costs shall be made pursuant to the statutory provisions noted above.Digest Key Vote: MAJORITY Appropriation: NO Fiscal Committee: YES Local Program: YES Bill TextThe people of the State of California do enact as follows:SECTION 1. Section 27521 of the Government Code is amended to read:27521. (a) A postmortem examination or autopsy conducted at the discretion of a coroner, medical examiner, or other agency upon an unidentified body or human remains is subject to this section.(b) A postmortem examination or autopsy shall include, but shall not be limited to, the following procedures:(1) Taking of all available fingerprints and palm prints.(2) A dental examination consisting of dental charts and dental X-rays of the deceased persons teeth, which may be conducted on the body or human remains by a qualified dentist as determined by the coroner.(3) The collection of tissue, including a hair sample, or body fluid samples for future DNA testing, if necessary.(4) Frontal and lateral facial photographs with the scale indicated.(5) Notation and photographs, with a scale, of significant scars, marks, tattoos, clothing items, or other personal effects found with or near the body.(6) Notations of observations pertinent to the estimation of the time of death.(7) Precise documentation of the location of the remains.(c) The postmortem examination or autopsy of the unidentified body or remains may include full body X-rays.(d) (1) At the sole and exclusive discretion of a coroner, medical examiner, or other agency tasked with performing an autopsy pursuant to Section 27491, an electronic image system, including, but not limited to, an X-ray computed tomography scanning system, may be used to fulfill the requirements of subdivision (b) or of a postmortem examination or autopsy required by other law, including but not limited to, Section 27520.(2) Nothing in this subdivision imposes a duty upon any coroner, medical examiner, or other agency tasked with performing autopsies pursuant to Section 27491 to use an electronic image system to perform autopsies or to acquire the capability to do so.(3) A coroner, medical examiner, or other agency tasked with performing an autopsy pursuant to Section 27491 shall not use an electronic imaging system to conduct an autopsy in any investigation where the circumstances surrounding the death afford a reasonable basis to suspect that the death was caused by or related to the criminal act of another and it is necessary to collect evidence for presentation in a court of law. If the results of an autopsy performed using electronic imaging provides the basis to suspect that the death was caused by or related to the criminal act of another, and it is necessary to collect evidence for presentation in a court of law, then a dissection autopsy shall be performed in order to determine the cause and manner of death.(4) An autopsy may be conducted using an X-ray computed tomography scanning system notwithstanding the existence of a certificate of religious belief properly executed in accordance with Section 27491.43.(e) The coroner, medical examiner, or other agency performing a postmortem examination or autopsy shall prepare a final report of investigation in a format established by the Department of Justice. The final report shall list or describe the information collected pursuant to the postmortem examination or autopsy conducted under subdivision (b). (b) and indicate whether the deceased person was an active or reserve member of the United States military, or was a member of the California National Guard, California Air National Guard, or California National Guard Reserve, either at or prior to the time of his or her death. If the coroner, medical examiner, or other agency preparing the final report is unable to determine the deceased persons Armed Forces status, the person preparing the report shall consult with the county veterans service officer.(f) The body of an unidentified deceased person shall not be cremated or buried until the jaws (maxilla and mandible with teeth), or other bone sample if the jaws are not available, and other tissue samples are retained for future possible use. Unless the coroner, medical examiner, or other agency performing a postmortem examination or autopsy has determined that the body of the unidentified deceased person has suffered significant deterioration or decomposition, the jaws shall not be removed until immediately before the body is cremated or buried. The coroner, medical examiner, or other agency responsible for a postmortem examination or autopsy shall retain the jaws and other tissue samples for one year after a positive identification is made, and no civil or criminal challenges are pending, or indefinitely.(g) If the coroner, medical examiner, or other agency performing a postmortem examination or autopsy with the aid of the dental examination and any other identifying findings is unable to establish the identity of the body or human remains, the coroner, medical examiner, or other agency shall submit dental charts and dental X-rays of the unidentified deceased person to the Department of Justice on forms supplied by the Department of Justice within 45 days of the date the body or human remains were discovered.(h) If the coroner, medical examiner, or other agency performing a postmortem examination or autopsy with the aid of the dental examination and other identifying findings is unable to establish the identity of the body or human remains, the coroner, medical examiner, or other agency shall submit the final report of investigation to the Department of Justice within 180 days of the date the body or human remains were discovered. The final report of investigation shall list or describe the information collected pursuant to the postmortem examination or autopsy conducted under subdivision (b), and any anthropology report, fingerprints, photographs, and autopsy report.SEC. 2. Section 27521.2 is added to the Government Code, to read:27521.2. (a) The coroner shall make data on veteran suicides available to the State Department of Public Health.(b) (1) The State Department of Public Health shall, notwithstanding Section 10231.5, annually report data on veteran suicides to the Legislature and the Department of Veterans Affairs.(2) A report to be submitted pursuant to paragraph (1) shall be submitted in compliance with Section 9795.SEC. 3. If the Commission on State Mandates determines that this act contains costs mandated by the state, reimbursement to local agencies and school districts for those costs shall be made pursuant to Part 7 (commencing with Section 17500) of Division 4 of Title 2 of the Government Code.
CALIFORNIA LEGISLATURE 20172018 REGULAR SESSION Assembly Bill No. 242Introduced by Assembly Members Arambula and PattersonJanuary 30, 2017 An act to amend Section 27521 of, and to add Section 27521.2 to, the Government Code, relating to coroners. LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGESTAB 242, as introduced, Arambula. Coroners reports: veterans: suicide.Existing law requires a coroner to perform or cause to be performed an autopsy on a decedent, for which an autopsy has not already been performed, on request of specified relatives. Existing law requires a coroner, medical examiner, or other agency performing a postmortem examination or autopsy to prepare a final report of investigation that lists or describes certain information collected pursuant to the postmortem examination or autopsy.This bill would also require the final report of investigation to indicate whether the deceased person was an active or reserve member of the United States military, or was a member of the California National Guard, California Air National Guard, or California National Guard Reserve, either at or prior to the time of his or her death. The bill would require the person preparing the report to consult with the county veterans service officer, if he or she is unable to determine the deceased persons Armed Forces status. The bill would also require the coroner to make data on veteran suicides available to the State Department of Public Health and would require the State Department of Public Health to annually report data on veteran suicides to the Legislature and the Department of Veterans Affairs. By imposing new duties on county coroners, this bill would impose a state-mandated local program.The California Constitution requires the state to reimburse local agencies and school districts for certain costs mandated by the state. Statutory provisions establish procedures for making that reimbursement.This bill would provide that, if the Commission on State Mandates determines that the bill contains costs mandated by the state, reimbursement for those costs shall be made pursuant to the statutory provisions noted above.Digest Key Vote: MAJORITY Appropriation: NO Fiscal Committee: YES Local Program: YES
CALIFORNIA LEGISLATURE 20172018 REGULAR SESSION
Assembly Bill No. 242
Introduced by Assembly Members Arambula and PattersonJanuary 30, 2017
Introduced by Assembly Members Arambula and Patterson
January 30, 2017
An act to amend Section 27521 of, and to add Section 27521.2 to, the Government Code, relating to coroners.
LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGEST
## LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGEST
AB 242, as introduced, Arambula. Coroners reports: veterans: suicide.
Existing law requires a coroner to perform or cause to be performed an autopsy on a decedent, for which an autopsy has not already been performed, on request of specified relatives. Existing law requires a coroner, medical examiner, or other agency performing a postmortem examination or autopsy to prepare a final report of investigation that lists or describes certain information collected pursuant to the postmortem examination or autopsy.This bill would also require the final report of investigation to indicate whether the deceased person was an active or reserve member of the United States military, or was a member of the California National Guard, California Air National Guard, or California National Guard Reserve, either at or prior to the time of his or her death. The bill would require the person preparing the report to consult with the county veterans service officer, if he or she is unable to determine the deceased persons Armed Forces status. The bill would also require the coroner to make data on veteran suicides available to the State Department of Public Health and would require the State Department of Public Health to annually report data on veteran suicides to the Legislature and the Department of Veterans Affairs. By imposing new duties on county coroners, this bill would impose a state-mandated local program.The California Constitution requires the state to reimburse local agencies and school districts for certain costs mandated by the state. Statutory provisions establish procedures for making that reimbursement.This bill would provide that, if the Commission on State Mandates determines that the bill contains costs mandated by the state, reimbursement for those costs shall be made pursuant to the statutory provisions noted above.
Existing law requires a coroner to perform or cause to be performed an autopsy on a decedent, for which an autopsy has not already been performed, on request of specified relatives. Existing law requires a coroner, medical examiner, or other agency performing a postmortem examination or autopsy to prepare a final report of investigation that lists or describes certain information collected pursuant to the postmortem examination or autopsy.
This bill would also require the final report of investigation to indicate whether the deceased person was an active or reserve member of the United States military, or was a member of the California National Guard, California Air National Guard, or California National Guard Reserve, either at or prior to the time of his or her death. The bill would require the person preparing the report to consult with the county veterans service officer, if he or she is unable to determine the deceased persons Armed Forces status. The bill would also require the coroner to make data on veteran suicides available to the State Department of Public Health and would require the State Department of Public Health to annually report data on veteran suicides to the Legislature and the Department of Veterans Affairs. By imposing new duties on county coroners, this bill would impose a state-mandated local program.
The California Constitution requires the state to reimburse local agencies and school districts for certain costs mandated by the state. Statutory provisions establish procedures for making that reimbursement.
This bill would provide that, if the Commission on State Mandates determines that the bill contains costs mandated by the state, reimbursement for those costs shall be made pursuant to the statutory provisions noted above.
## Digest Key
## Bill Text
The people of the State of California do enact as follows:SECTION 1. Section 27521 of the Government Code is amended to read:27521. (a) A postmortem examination or autopsy conducted at the discretion of a coroner, medical examiner, or other agency upon an unidentified body or human remains is subject to this section.(b) A postmortem examination or autopsy shall include, but shall not be limited to, the following procedures:(1) Taking of all available fingerprints and palm prints.(2) A dental examination consisting of dental charts and dental X-rays of the deceased persons teeth, which may be conducted on the body or human remains by a qualified dentist as determined by the coroner.(3) The collection of tissue, including a hair sample, or body fluid samples for future DNA testing, if necessary.(4) Frontal and lateral facial photographs with the scale indicated.(5) Notation and photographs, with a scale, of significant scars, marks, tattoos, clothing items, or other personal effects found with or near the body.(6) Notations of observations pertinent to the estimation of the time of death.(7) Precise documentation of the location of the remains.(c) The postmortem examination or autopsy of the unidentified body or remains may include full body X-rays.(d) (1) At the sole and exclusive discretion of a coroner, medical examiner, or other agency tasked with performing an autopsy pursuant to Section 27491, an electronic image system, including, but not limited to, an X-ray computed tomography scanning system, may be used to fulfill the requirements of subdivision (b) or of a postmortem examination or autopsy required by other law, including but not limited to, Section 27520.(2) Nothing in this subdivision imposes a duty upon any coroner, medical examiner, or other agency tasked with performing autopsies pursuant to Section 27491 to use an electronic image system to perform autopsies or to acquire the capability to do so.(3) A coroner, medical examiner, or other agency tasked with performing an autopsy pursuant to Section 27491 shall not use an electronic imaging system to conduct an autopsy in any investigation where the circumstances surrounding the death afford a reasonable basis to suspect that the death was caused by or related to the criminal act of another and it is necessary to collect evidence for presentation in a court of law. If the results of an autopsy performed using electronic imaging provides the basis to suspect that the death was caused by or related to the criminal act of another, and it is necessary to collect evidence for presentation in a court of law, then a dissection autopsy shall be performed in order to determine the cause and manner of death.(4) An autopsy may be conducted using an X-ray computed tomography scanning system notwithstanding the existence of a certificate of religious belief properly executed in accordance with Section 27491.43.(e) The coroner, medical examiner, or other agency performing a postmortem examination or autopsy shall prepare a final report of investigation in a format established by the Department of Justice. The final report shall list or describe the information collected pursuant to the postmortem examination or autopsy conducted under subdivision (b). (b) and indicate whether the deceased person was an active or reserve member of the United States military, or was a member of the California National Guard, California Air National Guard, or California National Guard Reserve, either at or prior to the time of his or her death. If the coroner, medical examiner, or other agency preparing the final report is unable to determine the deceased persons Armed Forces status, the person preparing the report shall consult with the county veterans service officer.(f) The body of an unidentified deceased person shall not be cremated or buried until the jaws (maxilla and mandible with teeth), or other bone sample if the jaws are not available, and other tissue samples are retained for future possible use. Unless the coroner, medical examiner, or other agency performing a postmortem examination or autopsy has determined that the body of the unidentified deceased person has suffered significant deterioration or decomposition, the jaws shall not be removed until immediately before the body is cremated or buried. The coroner, medical examiner, or other agency responsible for a postmortem examination or autopsy shall retain the jaws and other tissue samples for one year after a positive identification is made, and no civil or criminal challenges are pending, or indefinitely.(g) If the coroner, medical examiner, or other agency performing a postmortem examination or autopsy with the aid of the dental examination and any other identifying findings is unable to establish the identity of the body or human remains, the coroner, medical examiner, or other agency shall submit dental charts and dental X-rays of the unidentified deceased person to the Department of Justice on forms supplied by the Department of Justice within 45 days of the date the body or human remains were discovered.(h) If the coroner, medical examiner, or other agency performing a postmortem examination or autopsy with the aid of the dental examination and other identifying findings is unable to establish the identity of the body or human remains, the coroner, medical examiner, or other agency shall submit the final report of investigation to the Department of Justice within 180 days of the date the body or human remains were discovered. The final report of investigation shall list or describe the information collected pursuant to the postmortem examination or autopsy conducted under subdivision (b), and any anthropology report, fingerprints, photographs, and autopsy report.SEC. 2. Section 27521.2 is added to the Government Code, to read:27521.2. (a) The coroner shall make data on veteran suicides available to the State Department of Public Health.(b) (1) The State Department of Public Health shall, notwithstanding Section 10231.5, annually report data on veteran suicides to the Legislature and the Department of Veterans Affairs.(2) A report to be submitted pursuant to paragraph (1) shall be submitted in compliance with Section 9795.SEC. 3. If the Commission on State Mandates determines that this act contains costs mandated by the state, reimbursement to local agencies and school districts for those costs shall be made pursuant to Part 7 (commencing with Section 17500) of Division 4 of Title 2 of the Government Code.
The people of the State of California do enact as follows:
## The people of the State of California do enact as follows:
SECTION 1. Section 27521 of the Government Code is amended to read:27521. (a) A postmortem examination or autopsy conducted at the discretion of a coroner, medical examiner, or other agency upon an unidentified body or human remains is subject to this section.(b) A postmortem examination or autopsy shall include, but shall not be limited to, the following procedures:(1) Taking of all available fingerprints and palm prints.(2) A dental examination consisting of dental charts and dental X-rays of the deceased persons teeth, which may be conducted on the body or human remains by a qualified dentist as determined by the coroner.(3) The collection of tissue, including a hair sample, or body fluid samples for future DNA testing, if necessary.(4) Frontal and lateral facial photographs with the scale indicated.(5) Notation and photographs, with a scale, of significant scars, marks, tattoos, clothing items, or other personal effects found with or near the body.(6) Notations of observations pertinent to the estimation of the time of death.(7) Precise documentation of the location of the remains.(c) The postmortem examination or autopsy of the unidentified body or remains may include full body X-rays.(d) (1) At the sole and exclusive discretion of a coroner, medical examiner, or other agency tasked with performing an autopsy pursuant to Section 27491, an electronic image system, including, but not limited to, an X-ray computed tomography scanning system, may be used to fulfill the requirements of subdivision (b) or of a postmortem examination or autopsy required by other law, including but not limited to, Section 27520.(2) Nothing in this subdivision imposes a duty upon any coroner, medical examiner, or other agency tasked with performing autopsies pursuant to Section 27491 to use an electronic image system to perform autopsies or to acquire the capability to do so.(3) A coroner, medical examiner, or other agency tasked with performing an autopsy pursuant to Section 27491 shall not use an electronic imaging system to conduct an autopsy in any investigation where the circumstances surrounding the death afford a reasonable basis to suspect that the death was caused by or related to the criminal act of another and it is necessary to collect evidence for presentation in a court of law. If the results of an autopsy performed using electronic imaging provides the basis to suspect that the death was caused by or related to the criminal act of another, and it is necessary to collect evidence for presentation in a court of law, then a dissection autopsy shall be performed in order to determine the cause and manner of death.(4) An autopsy may be conducted using an X-ray computed tomography scanning system notwithstanding the existence of a certificate of religious belief properly executed in accordance with Section 27491.43.(e) The coroner, medical examiner, or other agency performing a postmortem examination or autopsy shall prepare a final report of investigation in a format established by the Department of Justice. The final report shall list or describe the information collected pursuant to the postmortem examination or autopsy conducted under subdivision (b). (b) and indicate whether the deceased person was an active or reserve member of the United States military, or was a member of the California National Guard, California Air National Guard, or California National Guard Reserve, either at or prior to the time of his or her death. If the coroner, medical examiner, or other agency preparing the final report is unable to determine the deceased persons Armed Forces status, the person preparing the report shall consult with the county veterans service officer.(f) The body of an unidentified deceased person shall not be cremated or buried until the jaws (maxilla and mandible with teeth), or other bone sample if the jaws are not available, and other tissue samples are retained for future possible use. Unless the coroner, medical examiner, or other agency performing a postmortem examination or autopsy has determined that the body of the unidentified deceased person has suffered significant deterioration or decomposition, the jaws shall not be removed until immediately before the body is cremated or buried. The coroner, medical examiner, or other agency responsible for a postmortem examination or autopsy shall retain the jaws and other tissue samples for one year after a positive identification is made, and no civil or criminal challenges are pending, or indefinitely.(g) If the coroner, medical examiner, or other agency performing a postmortem examination or autopsy with the aid of the dental examination and any other identifying findings is unable to establish the identity of the body or human remains, the coroner, medical examiner, or other agency shall submit dental charts and dental X-rays of the unidentified deceased person to the Department of Justice on forms supplied by the Department of Justice within 45 days of the date the body or human remains were discovered.(h) If the coroner, medical examiner, or other agency performing a postmortem examination or autopsy with the aid of the dental examination and other identifying findings is unable to establish the identity of the body or human remains, the coroner, medical examiner, or other agency shall submit the final report of investigation to the Department of Justice within 180 days of the date the body or human remains were discovered. The final report of investigation shall list or describe the information collected pursuant to the postmortem examination or autopsy conducted under subdivision (b), and any anthropology report, fingerprints, photographs, and autopsy report.
SECTION 1. Section 27521 of the Government Code is amended to read:
### SECTION 1.
27521. (a) A postmortem examination or autopsy conducted at the discretion of a coroner, medical examiner, or other agency upon an unidentified body or human remains is subject to this section.(b) A postmortem examination or autopsy shall include, but shall not be limited to, the following procedures:(1) Taking of all available fingerprints and palm prints.(2) A dental examination consisting of dental charts and dental X-rays of the deceased persons teeth, which may be conducted on the body or human remains by a qualified dentist as determined by the coroner.(3) The collection of tissue, including a hair sample, or body fluid samples for future DNA testing, if necessary.(4) Frontal and lateral facial photographs with the scale indicated.(5) Notation and photographs, with a scale, of significant scars, marks, tattoos, clothing items, or other personal effects found with or near the body.(6) Notations of observations pertinent to the estimation of the time of death.(7) Precise documentation of the location of the remains.(c) The postmortem examination or autopsy of the unidentified body or remains may include full body X-rays.(d) (1) At the sole and exclusive discretion of a coroner, medical examiner, or other agency tasked with performing an autopsy pursuant to Section 27491, an electronic image system, including, but not limited to, an X-ray computed tomography scanning system, may be used to fulfill the requirements of subdivision (b) or of a postmortem examination or autopsy required by other law, including but not limited to, Section 27520.(2) Nothing in this subdivision imposes a duty upon any coroner, medical examiner, or other agency tasked with performing autopsies pursuant to Section 27491 to use an electronic image system to perform autopsies or to acquire the capability to do so.(3) A coroner, medical examiner, or other agency tasked with performing an autopsy pursuant to Section 27491 shall not use an electronic imaging system to conduct an autopsy in any investigation where the circumstances surrounding the death afford a reasonable basis to suspect that the death was caused by or related to the criminal act of another and it is necessary to collect evidence for presentation in a court of law. If the results of an autopsy performed using electronic imaging provides the basis to suspect that the death was caused by or related to the criminal act of another, and it is necessary to collect evidence for presentation in a court of law, then a dissection autopsy shall be performed in order to determine the cause and manner of death.(4) An autopsy may be conducted using an X-ray computed tomography scanning system notwithstanding the existence of a certificate of religious belief properly executed in accordance with Section 27491.43.(e) The coroner, medical examiner, or other agency performing a postmortem examination or autopsy shall prepare a final report of investigation in a format established by the Department of Justice. The final report shall list or describe the information collected pursuant to the postmortem examination or autopsy conducted under subdivision (b). (b) and indicate whether the deceased person was an active or reserve member of the United States military, or was a member of the California National Guard, California Air National Guard, or California National Guard Reserve, either at or prior to the time of his or her death. If the coroner, medical examiner, or other agency preparing the final report is unable to determine the deceased persons Armed Forces status, the person preparing the report shall consult with the county veterans service officer.(f) The body of an unidentified deceased person shall not be cremated or buried until the jaws (maxilla and mandible with teeth), or other bone sample if the jaws are not available, and other tissue samples are retained for future possible use. Unless the coroner, medical examiner, or other agency performing a postmortem examination or autopsy has determined that the body of the unidentified deceased person has suffered significant deterioration or decomposition, the jaws shall not be removed until immediately before the body is cremated or buried. The coroner, medical examiner, or other agency responsible for a postmortem examination or autopsy shall retain the jaws and other tissue samples for one year after a positive identification is made, and no civil or criminal challenges are pending, or indefinitely.(g) If the coroner, medical examiner, or other agency performing a postmortem examination or autopsy with the aid of the dental examination and any other identifying findings is unable to establish the identity of the body or human remains, the coroner, medical examiner, or other agency shall submit dental charts and dental X-rays of the unidentified deceased person to the Department of Justice on forms supplied by the Department of Justice within 45 days of the date the body or human remains were discovered.(h) If the coroner, medical examiner, or other agency performing a postmortem examination or autopsy with the aid of the dental examination and other identifying findings is unable to establish the identity of the body or human remains, the coroner, medical examiner, or other agency shall submit the final report of investigation to the Department of Justice within 180 days of the date the body or human remains were discovered. The final report of investigation shall list or describe the information collected pursuant to the postmortem examination or autopsy conducted under subdivision (b), and any anthropology report, fingerprints, photographs, and autopsy report.
27521. (a) A postmortem examination or autopsy conducted at the discretion of a coroner, medical examiner, or other agency upon an unidentified body or human remains is subject to this section.(b) A postmortem examination or autopsy shall include, but shall not be limited to, the following procedures:(1) Taking of all available fingerprints and palm prints.(2) A dental examination consisting of dental charts and dental X-rays of the deceased persons teeth, which may be conducted on the body or human remains by a qualified dentist as determined by the coroner.(3) The collection of tissue, including a hair sample, or body fluid samples for future DNA testing, if necessary.(4) Frontal and lateral facial photographs with the scale indicated.(5) Notation and photographs, with a scale, of significant scars, marks, tattoos, clothing items, or other personal effects found with or near the body.(6) Notations of observations pertinent to the estimation of the time of death.(7) Precise documentation of the location of the remains.(c) The postmortem examination or autopsy of the unidentified body or remains may include full body X-rays.(d) (1) At the sole and exclusive discretion of a coroner, medical examiner, or other agency tasked with performing an autopsy pursuant to Section 27491, an electronic image system, including, but not limited to, an X-ray computed tomography scanning system, may be used to fulfill the requirements of subdivision (b) or of a postmortem examination or autopsy required by other law, including but not limited to, Section 27520.(2) Nothing in this subdivision imposes a duty upon any coroner, medical examiner, or other agency tasked with performing autopsies pursuant to Section 27491 to use an electronic image system to perform autopsies or to acquire the capability to do so.(3) A coroner, medical examiner, or other agency tasked with performing an autopsy pursuant to Section 27491 shall not use an electronic imaging system to conduct an autopsy in any investigation where the circumstances surrounding the death afford a reasonable basis to suspect that the death was caused by or related to the criminal act of another and it is necessary to collect evidence for presentation in a court of law. If the results of an autopsy performed using electronic imaging provides the basis to suspect that the death was caused by or related to the criminal act of another, and it is necessary to collect evidence for presentation in a court of law, then a dissection autopsy shall be performed in order to determine the cause and manner of death.(4) An autopsy may be conducted using an X-ray computed tomography scanning system notwithstanding the existence of a certificate of religious belief properly executed in accordance with Section 27491.43.(e) The coroner, medical examiner, or other agency performing a postmortem examination or autopsy shall prepare a final report of investigation in a format established by the Department of Justice. The final report shall list or describe the information collected pursuant to the postmortem examination or autopsy conducted under subdivision (b). (b) and indicate whether the deceased person was an active or reserve member of the United States military, or was a member of the California National Guard, California Air National Guard, or California National Guard Reserve, either at or prior to the time of his or her death. If the coroner, medical examiner, or other agency preparing the final report is unable to determine the deceased persons Armed Forces status, the person preparing the report shall consult with the county veterans service officer.(f) The body of an unidentified deceased person shall not be cremated or buried until the jaws (maxilla and mandible with teeth), or other bone sample if the jaws are not available, and other tissue samples are retained for future possible use. Unless the coroner, medical examiner, or other agency performing a postmortem examination or autopsy has determined that the body of the unidentified deceased person has suffered significant deterioration or decomposition, the jaws shall not be removed until immediately before the body is cremated or buried. The coroner, medical examiner, or other agency responsible for a postmortem examination or autopsy shall retain the jaws and other tissue samples for one year after a positive identification is made, and no civil or criminal challenges are pending, or indefinitely.(g) If the coroner, medical examiner, or other agency performing a postmortem examination or autopsy with the aid of the dental examination and any other identifying findings is unable to establish the identity of the body or human remains, the coroner, medical examiner, or other agency shall submit dental charts and dental X-rays of the unidentified deceased person to the Department of Justice on forms supplied by the Department of Justice within 45 days of the date the body or human remains were discovered.(h) If the coroner, medical examiner, or other agency performing a postmortem examination or autopsy with the aid of the dental examination and other identifying findings is unable to establish the identity of the body or human remains, the coroner, medical examiner, or other agency shall submit the final report of investigation to the Department of Justice within 180 days of the date the body or human remains were discovered. The final report of investigation shall list or describe the information collected pursuant to the postmortem examination or autopsy conducted under subdivision (b), and any anthropology report, fingerprints, photographs, and autopsy report.
27521. (a) A postmortem examination or autopsy conducted at the discretion of a coroner, medical examiner, or other agency upon an unidentified body or human remains is subject to this section.(b) A postmortem examination or autopsy shall include, but shall not be limited to, the following procedures:(1) Taking of all available fingerprints and palm prints.(2) A dental examination consisting of dental charts and dental X-rays of the deceased persons teeth, which may be conducted on the body or human remains by a qualified dentist as determined by the coroner.(3) The collection of tissue, including a hair sample, or body fluid samples for future DNA testing, if necessary.(4) Frontal and lateral facial photographs with the scale indicated.(5) Notation and photographs, with a scale, of significant scars, marks, tattoos, clothing items, or other personal effects found with or near the body.(6) Notations of observations pertinent to the estimation of the time of death.(7) Precise documentation of the location of the remains.(c) The postmortem examination or autopsy of the unidentified body or remains may include full body X-rays.(d) (1) At the sole and exclusive discretion of a coroner, medical examiner, or other agency tasked with performing an autopsy pursuant to Section 27491, an electronic image system, including, but not limited to, an X-ray computed tomography scanning system, may be used to fulfill the requirements of subdivision (b) or of a postmortem examination or autopsy required by other law, including but not limited to, Section 27520.(2) Nothing in this subdivision imposes a duty upon any coroner, medical examiner, or other agency tasked with performing autopsies pursuant to Section 27491 to use an electronic image system to perform autopsies or to acquire the capability to do so.(3) A coroner, medical examiner, or other agency tasked with performing an autopsy pursuant to Section 27491 shall not use an electronic imaging system to conduct an autopsy in any investigation where the circumstances surrounding the death afford a reasonable basis to suspect that the death was caused by or related to the criminal act of another and it is necessary to collect evidence for presentation in a court of law. If the results of an autopsy performed using electronic imaging provides the basis to suspect that the death was caused by or related to the criminal act of another, and it is necessary to collect evidence for presentation in a court of law, then a dissection autopsy shall be performed in order to determine the cause and manner of death.(4) An autopsy may be conducted using an X-ray computed tomography scanning system notwithstanding the existence of a certificate of religious belief properly executed in accordance with Section 27491.43.(e) The coroner, medical examiner, or other agency performing a postmortem examination or autopsy shall prepare a final report of investigation in a format established by the Department of Justice. The final report shall list or describe the information collected pursuant to the postmortem examination or autopsy conducted under subdivision (b). (b) and indicate whether the deceased person was an active or reserve member of the United States military, or was a member of the California National Guard, California Air National Guard, or California National Guard Reserve, either at or prior to the time of his or her death. If the coroner, medical examiner, or other agency preparing the final report is unable to determine the deceased persons Armed Forces status, the person preparing the report shall consult with the county veterans service officer.(f) The body of an unidentified deceased person shall not be cremated or buried until the jaws (maxilla and mandible with teeth), or other bone sample if the jaws are not available, and other tissue samples are retained for future possible use. Unless the coroner, medical examiner, or other agency performing a postmortem examination or autopsy has determined that the body of the unidentified deceased person has suffered significant deterioration or decomposition, the jaws shall not be removed until immediately before the body is cremated or buried. The coroner, medical examiner, or other agency responsible for a postmortem examination or autopsy shall retain the jaws and other tissue samples for one year after a positive identification is made, and no civil or criminal challenges are pending, or indefinitely.(g) If the coroner, medical examiner, or other agency performing a postmortem examination or autopsy with the aid of the dental examination and any other identifying findings is unable to establish the identity of the body or human remains, the coroner, medical examiner, or other agency shall submit dental charts and dental X-rays of the unidentified deceased person to the Department of Justice on forms supplied by the Department of Justice within 45 days of the date the body or human remains were discovered.(h) If the coroner, medical examiner, or other agency performing a postmortem examination or autopsy with the aid of the dental examination and other identifying findings is unable to establish the identity of the body or human remains, the coroner, medical examiner, or other agency shall submit the final report of investigation to the Department of Justice within 180 days of the date the body or human remains were discovered. The final report of investigation shall list or describe the information collected pursuant to the postmortem examination or autopsy conducted under subdivision (b), and any anthropology report, fingerprints, photographs, and autopsy report.
27521. (a) A postmortem examination or autopsy conducted at the discretion of a coroner, medical examiner, or other agency upon an unidentified body or human remains is subject to this section.
(b) A postmortem examination or autopsy shall include, but shall not be limited to, the following procedures:
(1) Taking of all available fingerprints and palm prints.
(2) A dental examination consisting of dental charts and dental X-rays of the deceased persons teeth, which may be conducted on the body or human remains by a qualified dentist as determined by the coroner.
(3) The collection of tissue, including a hair sample, or body fluid samples for future DNA testing, if necessary.
(4) Frontal and lateral facial photographs with the scale indicated.
(5) Notation and photographs, with a scale, of significant scars, marks, tattoos, clothing items, or other personal effects found with or near the body.
(6) Notations of observations pertinent to the estimation of the time of death.
(7) Precise documentation of the location of the remains.
(c) The postmortem examination or autopsy of the unidentified body or remains may include full body X-rays.
(d) (1) At the sole and exclusive discretion of a coroner, medical examiner, or other agency tasked with performing an autopsy pursuant to Section 27491, an electronic image system, including, but not limited to, an X-ray computed tomography scanning system, may be used to fulfill the requirements of subdivision (b) or of a postmortem examination or autopsy required by other law, including but not limited to, Section 27520.
(2) Nothing in this subdivision imposes a duty upon any coroner, medical examiner, or other agency tasked with performing autopsies pursuant to Section 27491 to use an electronic image system to perform autopsies or to acquire the capability to do so.
(3) A coroner, medical examiner, or other agency tasked with performing an autopsy pursuant to Section 27491 shall not use an electronic imaging system to conduct an autopsy in any investigation where the circumstances surrounding the death afford a reasonable basis to suspect that the death was caused by or related to the criminal act of another and it is necessary to collect evidence for presentation in a court of law. If the results of an autopsy performed using electronic imaging provides the basis to suspect that the death was caused by or related to the criminal act of another, and it is necessary to collect evidence for presentation in a court of law, then a dissection autopsy shall be performed in order to determine the cause and manner of death.
(4) An autopsy may be conducted using an X-ray computed tomography scanning system notwithstanding the existence of a certificate of religious belief properly executed in accordance with Section 27491.43.
(e) The coroner, medical examiner, or other agency performing a postmortem examination or autopsy shall prepare a final report of investigation in a format established by the Department of Justice. The final report shall list or describe the information collected pursuant to the postmortem examination or autopsy conducted under subdivision (b). (b) and indicate whether the deceased person was an active or reserve member of the United States military, or was a member of the California National Guard, California Air National Guard, or California National Guard Reserve, either at or prior to the time of his or her death. If the coroner, medical examiner, or other agency preparing the final report is unable to determine the deceased persons Armed Forces status, the person preparing the report shall consult with the county veterans service officer.
(f) The body of an unidentified deceased person shall not be cremated or buried until the jaws (maxilla and mandible with teeth), or other bone sample if the jaws are not available, and other tissue samples are retained for future possible use. Unless the coroner, medical examiner, or other agency performing a postmortem examination or autopsy has determined that the body of the unidentified deceased person has suffered significant deterioration or decomposition, the jaws shall not be removed until immediately before the body is cremated or buried. The coroner, medical examiner, or other agency responsible for a postmortem examination or autopsy shall retain the jaws and other tissue samples for one year after a positive identification is made, and no civil or criminal challenges are pending, or indefinitely.
(g) If the coroner, medical examiner, or other agency performing a postmortem examination or autopsy with the aid of the dental examination and any other identifying findings is unable to establish the identity of the body or human remains, the coroner, medical examiner, or other agency shall submit dental charts and dental X-rays of the unidentified deceased person to the Department of Justice on forms supplied by the Department of Justice within 45 days of the date the body or human remains were discovered.
(h) If the coroner, medical examiner, or other agency performing a postmortem examination or autopsy with the aid of the dental examination and other identifying findings is unable to establish the identity of the body or human remains, the coroner, medical examiner, or other agency shall submit the final report of investigation to the Department of Justice within 180 days of the date the body or human remains were discovered. The final report of investigation shall list or describe the information collected pursuant to the postmortem examination or autopsy conducted under subdivision (b), and any anthropology report, fingerprints, photographs, and autopsy report.
SEC. 2. Section 27521.2 is added to the Government Code, to read:27521.2. (a) The coroner shall make data on veteran suicides available to the State Department of Public Health.(b) (1) The State Department of Public Health shall, notwithstanding Section 10231.5, annually report data on veteran suicides to the Legislature and the Department of Veterans Affairs.(2) A report to be submitted pursuant to paragraph (1) shall be submitted in compliance with Section 9795.
SEC. 2. Section 27521.2 is added to the Government Code, to read:
### SEC. 2.
27521.2. (a) The coroner shall make data on veteran suicides available to the State Department of Public Health.(b) (1) The State Department of Public Health shall, notwithstanding Section 10231.5, annually report data on veteran suicides to the Legislature and the Department of Veterans Affairs.(2) A report to be submitted pursuant to paragraph (1) shall be submitted in compliance with Section 9795.
27521.2. (a) The coroner shall make data on veteran suicides available to the State Department of Public Health.(b) (1) The State Department of Public Health shall, notwithstanding Section 10231.5, annually report data on veteran suicides to the Legislature and the Department of Veterans Affairs.(2) A report to be submitted pursuant to paragraph (1) shall be submitted in compliance with Section 9795.
27521.2. (a) The coroner shall make data on veteran suicides available to the State Department of Public Health.(b) (1) The State Department of Public Health shall, notwithstanding Section 10231.5, annually report data on veteran suicides to the Legislature and the Department of Veterans Affairs.(2) A report to be submitted pursuant to paragraph (1) shall be submitted in compliance with Section 9795.
27521.2. (a) The coroner shall make data on veteran suicides available to the State Department of Public Health.
(b) (1) The State Department of Public Health shall, notwithstanding Section 10231.5, annually report data on veteran suicides to the Legislature and the Department of Veterans Affairs.
(2) A report to be submitted pursuant to paragraph (1) shall be submitted in compliance with Section 9795.
SEC. 3. If the Commission on State Mandates determines that this act contains costs mandated by the state, reimbursement to local agencies and school districts for those costs shall be made pursuant to Part 7 (commencing with Section 17500) of Division 4 of Title 2 of the Government Code.
SEC. 3. If the Commission on State Mandates determines that this act contains costs mandated by the state, reimbursement to local agencies and school districts for those costs shall be made pursuant to Part 7 (commencing with Section 17500) of Division 4 of Title 2 of the Government Code.
SEC. 3. If the Commission on State Mandates determines that this act contains costs mandated by the state, reimbursement to local agencies and school districts for those costs shall be made pursuant to Part 7 (commencing with Section 17500) of Division 4 of Title 2 of the Government Code.
### SEC. 3.