Indiana Senate Approves Bill to Ensure Coroner Training

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - On Tuesday, January 29, 2008, the Indiana Senate approved a proposal today that would give coroners in Indiana a deadline for completing a mandated training course. Senate Bill (SB) 149 was approved by a vote of 46-2. State Senator Connie Sipes (D-New Albany), second author of the bill, said the deadline was needed to ensure that all coroners were certified and capable of fulfilling their elected duties.

"This bill continues the effort that lawmakers began last year." said Sipes. "We want to ensure Hoosiers that the coroners they have elected are qualified to accomplish the tasks set fourth by their office."

SB 149 would require coroners in office on July 1, 2008, to complete a required training course before January 1, 2009. It would also require deputy coroners in office on July 1, 2008, to complete a required training course before July 1, 2009. In 2007, the General Assembly established the Coroners Training Board to create and offer a training course for Indiana coroners.

The law mandates an initial 40 hour classroom training course and eight hours of continuing education course each year. Counties are authorized to withhold paychecks from coroners or deputy coroners if the training requirements are not met. Policy reform on coroner training and certification was prompted by a 2006 case of mistaken identity after an automobile accident involving students and staff from Taylor University.

Coroners mistakenly confirmed the death of the wrong student in that accident. Sipes is also third author of two other measures approved by the Senate today. SB 262, which passed by a vote of 47-0, would allow students who have attended a school within a certain school corporation for at least two years to maintain that enrollment without being charged for tuition if the student moves to an adjacent school corporation.

The arrangement would need to be based on an agreement between both school corporations. This bill was amended to exclude athletic involvement as a reason to maintain enrollment. SB 210 passed 48-0 and would reduce the waiting period after which a retired member of the state Teacher's Retirement Fund can return to the classroom from 90 days to 30 days without losing retirement benefits.

This would allow teachers to be reemployed in a covered position 30 days after retirement and still receive a retirement benefit. All three of these bills will now go before the House for consideration.

For more information on Sen. Sipes, her legislative agenda or other State Senate business call 1-800-382-9467 or visit www.senatedemocrats.IN.gov.

Source: Senate Democrats Press Release