AB 1108: County officers: coroners: in-custody deaths.

This bill aims to improve the handling of in-custody deaths in counties where the offices of the sheriff and coroner are combined. It prohibits the sheriff-coroner from determining the circumstances, manner, and cause of death in such cases, unless they contract with an independent coroner's office or a private medical examination provider. The county board of supervisors must enter into a service agreement with these providers annually. This change is intended to increase transparency and accountability in the investigation of in-custody deaths. The bill also requires a private medical examination provider to be separate and independent from the sheriff-coroner's office and to meet certain physician qualification requirements.