HomeMy WebLinkAboutDiscussion re Coroner Duties Regular Agenda
JEFFERSON COUNTY
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
AGENDA REQUEST
TO: Board of Commissioners
Mark McCauley, County Administrator
FROM: James Kennedy,Prosecuting Attorney
DATE: October 7,2024
RE: Upcoming Changes to Coroner Position Required by Recent Legislation
STATEMENT OF ISSUE:
The Legislature has revised the statute addressing county coroners. The BoCC and the
Prosecuting Attorney decided to implement the revised statute by keeping the Prosecuting
Attorney as the Coroner. However, recently,the Washington Attorney General's Office wrote
an opinion saying it was illegal for lawyers to be coroners under the new legislation.
ANALYSIS:
The PAO believes the county should comply with the AGO opinion. The Prosecuting Attorney
would like to have a workshop with the BoCC to discuss options.
FISCAL IMPACT:
There is no financial impact.
RECOMMENDATION:
Conduct the workshop.
DEPARTMENT CONTACT:
James Kennedy, Prosecuting Attorney.
REVIEWED BY:
Mark McCa , County Administrator ate �—
1