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HF4241

Hennepin County medical examiner selection procedures modified, Independent School District No. 535, Rochester school board procedure modified, and economic interest disclosure required for park district board candidates.
Legislative Session 94 (2025-2026)

Related bill: SF4660

AI Generated Summary

Purpose

  • Update how the Hennepin County medical examiner is selected by amending Minnesota Statutes 2024 section 390.0065.
  • Create a formal process and board to oversee the selection, with rules for qualifications, ranking, and appointment.

Board Structure and Role

  • A Medical Examiner Board of three licensed physicians will be designated by the county.
  • The board is responsible for reviewing applicants, ranking them, and reporting the top candidates to the county board.
  • The county board then appoints the Hennepin County medical examiner from those listed in the report.
  • The examiner serves a four-year term and can be reappointed with procedures to ensure timely renewal.

Qualifications for Applicants

  • Applicants must be doctors of medicine (MD) or doctors of osteopathic medicine (DO) who:
    • Are graduates of a medical school recognized by the American Medical Association (AMA) or American Osteopathic Association (AOA).
    • Are in good standing in the medical profession.
    • Are eligible for appointment to the staff of the Hennepin County Medical Center.
    • Hold a Minnesota medical license.
    • Are board-certified or board-eligible in forensic pathology by the American Board of Pathology.

Selection Process

  • The Medical Examiner Board reviews qualifications and ranks qualified applicants.
  • The board provides the county board with a report listing the seven highest-ranked applicants, including their qualifications.
  • The county board appoints the medical examiner from the people listed in the report.

Term, Vacancies, and Interim Procedures

  • The medical examiner’s term is four years from the appointment date.
  • Reappointments must occur at least 90 days before a term ends.
  • If a vacancy occurs, a temporary process is used:
    • The county board of commissioners appoints a medical doctor on staff in the county medical examiner’s office to perform duties temporarily until a full appointment is made under the approved procedure.

Administrative and Financial Provisions

  • The actual and necessary expenses of the Medical Examiner Board are paid in accordance with state spending provisions (sections 471.38 to 471.415).

Significance and Impact

  • Establishes a formal, multi-person board to oversee the selection of the Hennepin County medical examiner.
  • Tightens qualifications and uses a ranking system to guide appointments.
  • Introduces a clear four-year term and defined temporary procedures to handle vacancies.

Relevant Terms - Hennepin County medical examiner - Medical Examiner Board - Minnesota Statutes 2024 section 390.0065 - Forensic pathology - American Medical Association (AMA) - American Osteopathic Association (AOA) - University of Minnesota (pathology) - Minnesota Society of Pathologists - Hennepin Healthcare - Hennepin County Medical Center - Board-certified / board-eligible in forensic pathology - Appointment, term, and reappointment - Temporary appointment - 471.38 to 471.415 (expense authority)

Bill text versions

Past committee meetings

Actions

DateChamberWhereTypeNameCommittee Name
April 13, 2026HouseActionBill was passed
April 14, 2026SenateActionReceived from House
April 14, 2026SenateActionIntroduction and first reading
April 14, 2026SenateActionReferred toRules and Administration
April 15, 2026SenateActionComm report: Rule 45-amend, subst. General Orders
April 15, 2026SenateActionSecond reading

Citations

 
[
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "This bill amends Minnesota Statutes 2024 section 390.0065 to establish the procedure for selecting the Hennepin County medical examiner via a Medical Examiner Board and to set terms and appointment processes.",
      "modified": [
        "Replaces or clarifies the selection procedure for the Hennepin County medical examiner by creating a Medical Examiner Board and specifying its composition and appointment process."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "390.0065",
    "subdivision": ""
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "This bill provides that the actual and necessary expenses of the Medical Examiner Board shall be paid in accordance with Minnesota Statutes sections 471.38 to 471.415.",
      "modified": []
    },
    "citation": "471.38 to 471.415",
    "subdivision": ""
  }
]

Progress through the legislative process

17%
In Committee

Sponsors

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