Missouri Bill to help find the most qualified coroner candidate for Cape Girardeau County

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. (KBSI) – Missouri State Representative John Voss has introduced a bill aimed at strengthening the qualifications required for the coroner position.

The bill would mandate that coroner candidates complete formal death investigation training. The training requirements align with recommendations from the National Institute of Justice.

“The coroner’s bill that we perfected on the floor yesterday will elevate qualifications so that anyone wanting to run for coroner must demonstrate they’ve had death investigation training,” Voss said.

Voss talks about the importance of ensuring competent and qualified individuals hold the office.

“As we found out so painfully in Cape Girardeau County, it’s critical to have both competent and qualified people serving in elected office,” he said. “I’m just trying to raise awareness and get these qualifications into law.” Said Voss.

The bill has received broad support, with no opposition voiced in the House.

“To me, it means this is just common-sense legislation—something we desperately need,” Voss said. “I appreciate the support from my colleagues on both sides of the aisle.”

The bill is scheduled for a third reading in the House next week. If it passes, it will move to the Senate for hearings and debate before reaching the governor’s desk for final approval.

Meanwhile, voters in Cape Girardeau County will ultimately decide who fills the coroner’s role moving forward.