Which states classify autopsy reports as public records under state law?
Executive summary
State law on whether autopsy reports are “public records” varies widely: several states (e.g., Colorado, Texas, Alabama) have statutes or official guidance treating at least some autopsy reports as public records [1] [2] [3], while many others limit access to next of kin or designated officials or declare reports confidential (Washington state is explicitly confidential except for listed parties) [4]. A 2013 comparative report by the Connecticut General Assembly found that only a minority of the 26 states it reviewed explicitly made autopsy reports public, with others confidential or conditionally released [5].
1. What “public” means — not one uniform rule
“Public record” can mean full, unrestricted public access in some jurisdictions, limited access to portions of a report in others, or categorical confidentiality except for named persons; for example Colorado’s coroner office states autopsy reports are public records under the Colorado Public Records Act [1], while Washington law makes autopsy reports confidential except for defined categories such as family members, prosecutors, law enforcement and certain state officials [4]. The Connecticut General Assembly’s review found a patchwork of approaches: some states permit release of whole reports, some allow release of cause/manner only, and some leave disclosure to a balancing test or law enforcement discretion [5].
2. Examples of states that treat reports as public or broadly accessible
County and state offices in some states explicitly treat final autopsy reports as public records available on request. El Paso County (Colorado) declares autopsy reports public under the Colorado Public Records Act [1]. Several other jurisdictions and secondary sources identify states such as Texas and Alabama as treating autopsy reports as public under their public records laws or statutes — Texas under the Texas Public Information Act (as summarized by a state-focused guide) and Alabama by statute through the State Department of Forensic Sciences [2] [3]. Local medical examiner offices in Florida’s District 21 say “anyone may request” final autopsy reports, though they caveat that some reports may not be public at the time of request [6].
3. Examples of restrictive or conditional regimes
Other states restrict access. Washington’s code explicitly declares autopsy reports confidential and lists who may obtain copies — family members, the decedent’s personal representative, law enforcement, public health officials and certain state agencies — and allows limited public discussion in narrow circumstances [4]. County coroner guidance in Pennsylvania (Westmoreland County example) says autopsy, toxicology and coroner reports are not public record and are released only to next of kin, with fees and written permission required [7]. The Connecticut report notes that some states (Iowa, North Dakota) make reports generally confidential while making cause/manner information publicly available [5].
4. Practical realities: redactions, investigations and timing
Even in states that nominally treat autopsy reports as public, practical limits exist: investigative material or information that could harm an active criminal probe is commonly withheld; photographs and toxicology details are sometimes separately exempted; and some offices delay release until an investigation ends or for a statutory hold period [3] [8] [6]. Humboldt County (California) says autopsy reports may be requested under public records law but acknowledges statutory exemptions [8]. Florida district guidance cautions that not all reports are public records at the time of request [6].
5. The comparative snapshot and limitations of available reporting
A 2013 Connecticut General Assembly survey is the clearest comparative source in the bundle and concludes only a minority of the 26 reviewed states explicitly treat autopsy reports as public; many states instead restrict disclosure or make only cause/manner public [5]. Available sources in this package do not provide a definitive, current list of all states that classify autopsy reports as public records; comprehensive, up‑to‑date state-by-state statutory citations are not included in the provided material (not found in current reporting).
6. How to proceed if you need a report
Check the relevant coroner/medical examiner office’s website or state public records statute. If a local office states reports are public, follow its request process; if the state code declares reports confidential, expect release only to listed parties or via court order [1] [4] [6]. Be prepared for redactions, fees, and delays while investigations or statutory hold periods conclude [3] [6].
Limitations: this analysis relies solely on the supplied sources. For a definitive, current state-by-state inventory you must consult each state’s statutes and medical examiner/coroner office policies; that comprehensive list is not present in the materials provided (not found in current reporting).