HB 4387
Relating to information submitted by medical examiner to aid in identification of human remains
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- Passed House of Delegates
- Passed Senate
- To Governor
- Became Law
Bill overview
This bill clarifies the procedures for medical examiners in West Virginia to identify human remains. It requires medical examiners to collect and preserve various data, including DNA samples, photographs, and fingerprints, and to promptly share this information with the West Virginia State Police and the National Missing and Unidentified Persons System (NamUs). The bill also outlines how medical examiners should notify law enforcement when a missing person’s remains are identified and establishes a process for notifying family members while protecting ongoing investigations.
Key provisions
- Medical examiners must collect DNA samples, photographs, and fingerprints when possible.
- Medical examiners must share information with the West Virginia State Police and NamUs.
- Medical examiners must promptly notify law enforcement when a missing person’s remains are identified.
- Law enforcement agencies must seek to locate family members of the deceased.
- Law enforcement agencies can continue efforts to identify remains, including publicizing information.
- Medical examiners must collect DNA samples if remains are not identified within 30 days.
- Medical examiners must obtain support from state and federal agencies for DNA testing.
- Medical examiners must submit all available information to NamUs and law enforcement databases.
Who is affected
- Medical Examiners
- West Virginia State Police
- Law Enforcement Agencies
- Families of Missing Persons
- Individuals whose remains are unidentified
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