Efforts to resolve homicide and other death investigations across the state received a big boost today with the signing of new, comprehensive training guidelines for coroners.

State Representative Brady (R-Bloomington) spearheaded the new law in the General Assembly. He says the new training guidelines will be invaluable in helping coroners partner with law enforcement on evidence collection and handling to find answers in death investigations.

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The new law creates a statewide Coroner Training Board in Illinois to oversee a training program for coroners on proper procedures and protocols in death investigations.

The Board will establish application, training and certification standards for coroners in Illinois, certify coroner training schools, and conduct and approve the death investigation training protocols for coroners statewide.

It will be funded by the restoration of the 25% portion of the death certificate surcharge that had been diverted in recent years.