SB 1550 Oregon Senate · 2026 Regular Session

Relating to scrutinizing death.

Summary
Directs [ law enforcement ] specified investigators of deaths of decedents , prior to making any findings as to the cause or manner of death where the decedent is suspected to have died from suicide, [ overdose or ] accident or other undetermined cause , to review documented evidence of abuse and interview family members of the decedent if the decedent has a history as a victim of domestic violence or child abuse and certain conditions exist. [ Requires law enforcement to submit a written request to the district medical examiner for the performance of an autopsy if a reasonable basis exists that the death of the decedent may be the result of domestic violence or child abuse. ] [ Directs a medical examiner or district attorney to order the performance of an autopsy in certain circumstances. ] Directs the law enforcement officer or district medical examiner to request further post-mortem examination of the decedent if a reasonable basis exists to suspect the death is a homicide due to domestic violence or child abuse. Directs the Chief Medical Examiner to engage in collaborative consultation regarding appropriate actions to take. Prohibits the release of the body of the decedent until the consultation has occurred and recommended actions have been completed. Authorizes appropriate post-mortem assessments. Provides that certain individuals may examine and obtain copies of evidence generated during an autopsy or investigation of death. Requires law enforcement to provide notice of rights to certain members of the decedent's family upon opening an investigation of a death that is suspected to have been caused by suicide[ , overdose or accident ] or occurred under suspicious circumstances .
Bill status in committee 1 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Feb 2026
Committee Review
Floor Vote
Governor
Introduced Feb 2, 2026 Last action Mar 7, 2026
Maddy AI version diff · 1 comparison

What changed between versions

Introduced A-Engrossed · 5 edits
MODERATE
This bill updates the legislative status of SB 1550 from its introduction to its final amended version, incorporating Senate changes that broaden the scope of death investigations. The amendments expand the types of suspicious deaths requiring investigation and introduce new protocols for family interviews and post-mortem examinations.
Scope change
The bill's scope expanded from focusing only on deaths suspected to be suicide, overdose, or accidents to include 'other undetermined causes' and 'suspicious circumstances.' It also broadened the definition of investigators from just law enforcement to include 'specified investigators.'
REQUIREMENT

Expanded the list of suspicious death scenarios triggering mandatory family interviews and evidence reviews to include 'other undetermined causes' and 'suspicious circumstances' beyond just suicide, overdose, and accidents.

Added a new requirement for law enforcement or medical examiners to request further post-mortem examinations if there is a reasonable basis to suspect homicide due to domestic violence or child abuse.

Removed the specific requirement for law enforcement to submit a written request for an autopsy in domestic violence or child abuse cases, replacing it with a directive to request further post-mortem examinations under specific homicide suspicions.

ENFORCEMENT

Broadened the definition of responsible investigators from 'law enforcement' to 'specified investigators of deaths of decedents' to ensure a wider range of officials are covered by the new protocols.

Added a prohibition on releasing a decedent's body until collaborative consultation regarding appropriate actions has occurred and recommended actions are completed.

Floor votes

How they voted

No floor votes recorded yet.
Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions
8
Key actions
2
Committee
4
Mar 7, 2026
Upper · Passed
In committee upon adjournment.
upper
Feb 19, 2026
Committee
Referred to Ways and Means by order of the President.
upper
Feb 19, 2026
Upper · Passed
Recommendation: Do pass with amendments and be referred to Ways and Means. (Printed A-Eng.)
upper
Feb 2, 2026
Committee
Referred to Judiciary.
upper
Feb 2, 2026
Introduced
Introduction and first reading. Referred to President's desk.
upper
5 primary · 6 co-sponsors

Sponsors