New York Senate Bill S02510

New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/21/25
• Refer: 1/21/25

Caption

Establishes the Terry Cooper autopsy accountability act requiring autopsy reports to include all photographs of the body, microscopic slides, and post-mortem x-rays taken by, at the direction of, or reviewed by the person performing the autopsy.

Impact

The implementation of Bill S02510 will likely lead to significant changes in the way autopsies are conducted and reported within the prison system. By requiring additional materials to be included in the autopsy reports, the bill aims to promote transparency and provide families and oversight bodies with comprehensive documentation related to deaths in custody. This could have implications for the accountability of medical examiners and coroners, as they will be under scrutiny to ensure compliance with the new reporting standards.

Summary

Bill S02510, also known as the 'Terry Cooper Autopsy Accountability Act,' seeks to amend the county law in New York concerning the procedures for conducting autopsies on incarcerated individuals. The bill mandates that autopsy reports must now include not only the final report but also all photographs of the body, microscopic slides, and post-mortem x-rays taken or reviewed by the person performing the autopsy. This aims to enhance the level of accountability in cases where deaths occur within correctional facilities, ensuring all relevant documentation is available for review.

Contention

While the bill addresses important accountability issues, it is not without controversy. Some legislators and advocacy groups may argue that the additional requirements could lead to delays in the reporting process and increased administrative burdens on medical examiners. Others fear it may inadvertently result in less thorough investigations if resources are stretched thin. Nevertheless, supporters contend that the push for transparency and accountability far outweighs these concerns, emphasizing the importance of thorough and complete investigation in cases of unnatural deaths in corrections.