Sen. Williams proposes requiring toxicology, microscopic exams and vaccine-record review in child death probes

Senator Williams presented SB 546 (LC 640005), which would require coroners and medical examiners to include microscopic and toxicology studies and to review immunization and medical records, including immunizations administered within 90 days, when investigating sudden or unexplained deaths of infants and children from birth through age 7.

Williams said the change is intended to standardize and improve the thoroughness of death investigations across Georgia. "We just wanna make sure that the vaccine schedule is given," he said while explaining the bill's aim to ensure autopsies and toxicology tests are completed and that records are reviewed when a child dies unexpectedly. He noted current variation among local medical examiners and the GBI's role in such investigations.

Supporters submitted written statements and expert testimony. Julie Allen summarized submitted statements from embalmers and advocacy groups, and Dr. Ryan Cole (submitted remotely) said standardized microscopy and toxicology are "practical tools" that can identify causes such as myocarditis or metabolic disease that could be missed without microscopic or toxicology review. Allen and other witnesses said the bill "does not presume any cause" and instead seeks more complete data for family answers and public-health surveillance.

Committee members asked clarifying questions about the statute's age range and whether parents can refuse post-mortem testing; Senator Williams said the bill follows existing statutory requirements and that parents cannot refuse state-required medical examiner or coroner inquiries in such cases.

The hearing included strongly worded written testimony citing embalmers' observations and advocacy-group analyses; committee members asked for further coordination with DPH and federal partners and noted the potential for federal grants to support expanded investigations. No formal vote was taken during the hearing.