Ohio legislation · 136th General Assembly
Ohio SB480: Require coroner to preserve DNA sample for future analysis
Status: Introduced, October 21, 2026
To enact section 313.124 of the Revised Code to require a coroner to preserve and store a DNA sample for future genetic analysis when the coroner performs an autopsy and is unable to determine a cause of death.
What the bill says
From the introduced text, October 21, 2026:
As Introduced 136th General Assembly Regular Session S. B. No. 480 2025-2026 Senator Patton To enact section 313.124 of the Revised Code to require a coroner to preserve and store a DNA sample for future genetic analysis when the coroner performs an autopsy and is unable to determine a cause of death. BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF OHIO: Section 1. That section 313.124 of the Revised Code be enacted to read as follows: Sec. 313.124. (A) As used in this section: (1) "Standard collection card" means a filter paper matrix designed for the collection, stabilization, and long-term storage of dried blood spots for DNA preservation. (2) "Unexplained death from apparent natural causes" means a death where, after an autopsy, the coroner is unable to definitively establish a structural, anatomical, or toxicological cause of death or where a suspected underlying genetic cardiovascular, metabolic, or neurological condition cannot be confirmed without molecular analysis. (B)(1) If a coroner performs an autopsy on a decedent and determines the cause of death to be an unexplained death from apparent natural causes, the coroner shall collect a blood sample from the deceased on a standard collection card. (2) The coroner shall preserve and securely store the standard collection card in a manner that maintains the integrity of the biological specimen …
Sponsors
- Thomas Patton (R, 24) · primary sponsor
Latest actions
- : Introduced
Subjects: Health and Human Services, State and Local Government, Local Government
Common questions
- What is SB480?
- SB480 is a bill in the Ohio Legislature (136th General Assembly): Require coroner to preserve DNA sample for future analysis.
- What does SB480 do?
- To enact section 313.124 of the Revised Code to require a coroner to preserve and store a DNA sample for future genetic analysis when the coroner performs an autopsy and is unable to determine a cause of death.
- What is the status of SB480?
- Introduced as of October 21, 2026. Latest action: Introduced (October 21, 2026).
- Who sponsored SB480?
- Thomas Patton (R, 24).
- Where is the official record for SB480?
- On the Ohio Legislature website: https://www.legislature.ohio.gov/legislation/136/sb480
Source: official Ohio record. Tracked by Delilah, AI for legislation across all 50 states and Congress.