Subcommittee tables HB 376 addressing SUDEP referrals and family notification, 7-0

The subcommittee reviewed HB 376, a measure presented by staff on behalf of Delegate Seabolt that would direct the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner to refer cases of sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP) within 30 days to a public or private institution that can provide next-of-kin information on benefits and registry submission.

Staff described administrative responsibilities the measure would create, including family outreach and maintaining a website with SUDEP-related resources; they estimated an annual general-fund impact to the Chief Medical Examiner's Office of $142,671 and noted the likely need for a staff position, possibly a nurse, to carry out the work.

A motion to "gently lay" HB 376 on the table was made and seconded; the chair recorded the voice vote as 7 to nothing. The measure and its fiscal impact will receive further review through the subcommittee process.