Louisiana 2015 Regular Session

Louisiana House Bill HB627

Introduced
4/3/15  
Refer
4/3/15  
Refer
4/13/15  

Caption

Provides relative to services provided by coroners (OR SEE FISC NOTE LF RV)

Impact

The bill's provisions require that each parish provide the necessary facilities and supplies for managing coroner duties effectively. This marks a shift in responsibility, placing greater demands on local governments to ensure that the infrastructural needs of coroners are met. The increase in fees aims not only to provide fair compensation for coroners' services but also to ensure that they can carry out their duties with the appropriate resources. These changes could potentially strengthen coroner operations, allowing for more thorough investigations that are crucial for public health and safety.

Summary

House Bill 627 aims to update the services provided by coroners in Louisiana by authorizing an increase in coroner fees for specific services and mandating that each parish establish adequate quarters for coroner operations and decedent storage. Among the proposed changes is doubling the fees for investigations and body viewings from $50 to $100 each. Additionally, the hourly fee for courtroom attendance or testimony by a coroner would significantly increase from $75 per day to $250 per hour. Such updates reflect the evolving needs of coroner services and the growing complexity of related investigations.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB 627 appears to be cautiously positive among advocates for improved public health services. Supporters argue that fair compensation for coroners will enhance their ability to perform investigations with diligence and professionalism, thereby benefiting the community. However, concerns may arise regarding the financial implications for local parishes faced with increased expenditure related to coroner services. Balancing these financial demands with public safety needs will likely be a key point of discussion among legislators and stakeholders.

Contention

While the bill generally enjoys support for its intention to modernize coroner services, some points of contention may include the financial burden placed on local governments and the adequacy of the proposed fee increases. Opponents could argue that the funding for these increases may need to be linked to broader tax reform or state-level support, to prevent undue strain on parish resources. Additionally, the necessity of mandating suitable facilities for coroners may face scrutiny, particularly regarding how such regulations will be implemented and financed at the local level.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Similar Bills

LA HB101

Provides relative to the coroner of St. Tammany Parish

LA HB561

Provides relative to the coroner of St. Tammany Parish (EN SEE FISC NOTE LF EX)

IL SR1190

CONGRATS-LAKE CTY CORONER OFC

LA SR46

Creates the Coroner Safety Task Force to develop policy recommendations that seek to enhance the prevention and mitigation of harm against a coroner and behavioral health facility personnel.

LA SB803

Create a Coroner's Strategic Initiative for a Health Information and Intervention Program in the office of the coroner in each parish. (8/15/10)

HI HB869

Relating To Coroners.

HI HB869

Relating To Coroners.

LA HB623

Creates a special taxing district in Webster Parish to fund the coroner's office (EN +$2,069,220 LF RV See Note)