Part I.

Adds new GS 15-7.1 preventing a manner of death from being initially determined as a suicide until a full investigation into the circumstances of death has been conducted and documented, subject to the provisions of the Fourth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution relating to unreasonable searches and seizures, including the following:

1. Interviews or attempted interviews of any individuals present at or connected to the scene of death.
2. Gunshot residue testing or attempted gunshot residue testing on any individuals present at the scene of death if firearms were involved.
3. The county medical examiner's duties pursuant to Article 16 of GS Chapter 130A.

Applicable to cases where the initial manner of death appears to be suicide.  Makes conforming change to GS 130A-385 (duties of medical examiner).

Applies to death occurring on or after Part I of the act becomes law.

Part II.

Increases the medical examiner’s fee paid by the State or county, as applicable, under GS 130A-387 from $200 to $400. Appropriates $579,000 in recurring funds from the General Fund Applies to Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Public Health, Office of the Chief Medical Examiner starting in 2026-27 to increase the fees as described above, effective July 1, 2026.

Applies to fees imposed for medical examiner reports filed on or after July 1, 2026.

Part III.

Effective when it becomes law except as otherwise provided.