An emotional press conference at the state capitol today brought together bipartisan lawmakers and families who have lost loved ones to fentanyl poisoning and drunk drivers. They’re pushing support for a first in the nation, Bill SB 1071, that would allow courts to change how a person’s cause of death is recorded on their death certificate. Specifically, it would allow their official cause of death to be changed from accident to homicide if the court deems it appropriate. Supporters say this change could help track data on certain deaths, which in turn, could influence funding in efforts to prevent future tragedies.
My daughter’s name is Alexandra. Her death was not accident. And no family should ever have to fight for the truth.
SB 1071 is a step forward. What gets recorded becomes what gets counted and what gets counted drives policy action and ultimately saves lives. This bill is about getting it right. It’s about honoring victims supporting families in ensuring records reflect the truth.
The American Society for Clinical Pathology is opposed to the bill, arguing physicians, coroners and medical examiners must be free to certify the manner and cause of death based upon their expertise and investigations and not based on a court decision.
https://fox40.com/video/not-an-accident-families-push-bill-to-change-death-certificates/11682833/
