For Immediate Release: May 28, 2010

State Senate Gives Final Approval to Companion Measure
to Move Medical Examiner’s Office

The full Senate has given final approval to Senate Bill 1337, one of two bills necessary to move the State Medical Examiner’s Office to a location near the University of Oklahoma’s Forensic Science Institute. Sen. Anthony Sykes is principal author of 1337, along with its companion measure, SB 738, now awaiting approval by Gov. Brad Henry.

“These two bills are the result of several months of bipartisan efforts which included lawmakers and representatives of the executive branch, and will authorize moving the Medical Examiner’s Office,” said Sykes, R-Moore. “We’re also restructuring the board and making specific policy changes. We believe these combined efforts will address the problems we’ve seen in that office and help us restore integrity to the agency.”

Sykes said moving the Medical Examiner’s office near the new Forensic Science Institute will enable the agency to take advantage of the state-of-the-art facility while retaining autonomy in its forensic work.

“The current location of the Medical Examiner’s office is inadequate for the needs of the agency. Ensuring they have access to the latest technologies and best equipment as well as reforming how it is managed will help ensure that this agency is fully capable of fulfilling their mission on behalf of the State of Oklahoma.”

SB 1337 was approved unanimously by the Senate Friday and now moves to the House.

For more information, contact:
Sen. Sykes: (405) 521-5569