Committee advances 'Lincoln’s Law' to standardize SUDEP reporting after family testimony

Senate Bill 77, titled in testimony as "Lincoln’s Law," would require coroners, medical examiners and death investigators to follow contemporary SUDEP‑investigation guidance and to standardize classification of epilepsy‑related deaths. Sponsors said the change would improve data accuracy, transparency, and research that could help prevent future deaths.

Multiple family members described personal losses and urged the measure. Amanda Garland, whose son Marcus died of SUDEP at age 18, told the committee she was not informed about SUDEP until after her son’s death and said inconsistent death‑certificate reporting left the family without answers. "Had SUDEP been openly discussed with us and risk factors explained, we could have made changes to Marcus' lifestyle and taken additional precautions," Garland testified.

Clinicians and advocates described underreporting and data gaps. Chelsea Stillman, a clinician who cares for people with epilepsy, said national data estimate about 1 in 1,000 people with epilepsy die from SUDEP each year but that the true rate is likely higher due to inconsistent coding and investigation. Linda Coughlin Brooks, an RN and grief counselor whose daughter died of SUDEP, described a retrospective project that reclassified 13 previously unknown causes of death as SUDEP after deeper investigation.

The committee adopted a technical amendment requested by the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment to insert the term "medical certifier" into the statutory language so it matches existing vital‑records terminology. After the amendment passed without objection, sponsors moved the bill, as amended, to the Committee of the Whole. The roll call was unanimous (13–0).

Why it matters: Sponsors and witnesses said more consistent classification and improved investigative protocols will produce better SUDEP data that can guide research and prevention efforts and give families clearer answers about cause of death.

What’s next: SB 77 will be considered by the Committee of the Whole with the technical amendment adopted in committee.