1.1 	A bill for an act
1.2 	relating to public safety; requiring background checks for individuals appointed 
1.3 	to coroner or medical examiner staff;amending Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 
1.4 	390.05.
1.5 	BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA:

1.6 	Section 1. Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 390.05, is amended to read:
1.7 	390.05 MEDICAL EXAMINER OR CORONER STAFF.
1.8 	(a) The coroner or medical examiner may appoint one or more assistant coroners 
1.9 	or assistant medical examiners, as necessary to fulfill the duties of the office, subject to 
1.10 	authorization by the county board. Such assistants shall have the same qualifications 
1.11 	as a coroner or medical examiner. When the coroner or medical examiner is absent or 
1.12 	unable to act, assistants shall have the same powers and duties and are subject to the 
1.13 	same limitations as the coroner or medical examiner. The assistants shall be appointed in 
1.14 	writing, shall take an oath that shall be recorded and filed with the county recorder, and 
1.15 	shall be included in the county bond. The assistant shall act by name as assistant coroner 
1.16 	or medical examiner and hold office at the pleasure of the coroner or medical examiner.
1.17 	(b) A coroner or medical examiner may appoint one or more investigators, with such 
1.18 	qualifications as the coroner or medical examiner deems appropriate. Such investigators 
1.19 	shall have the powers and duties that are delegated to them by the coroner or medical 
1.20 	examiner. Unless they are public employees of that county, investigators shall be 
1.21 	appointed in writing and take an oath, shall be included in the county bond, and the 
1.22 	oath and appointment shall be recorded and filed with the county recorder. Subject to 
1.23 	authorization of the county board, assistants may be appointed to the unclassified service 
1.24 	and investigators to the classified service of the county.
2.1 	(c) The coroner or medical examiner shall request the Bureau of Criminal 
2.2 	Apprehension to perform a background check on an individual who is a finalist for 
2.3 	appointment with the office under this section, but may appoint the individual pending 
2.4 	completion of the background check.