Senator Kip Bateman (R-16) issued the following statement on the signing of the “Revised State Medical Examiner Act” (S-879) today by Governor Phil Murphy:

“I’ve worked with Senator Vitale for the past eight years on a bipartisan effort to reform our state’s system of medical examiners to ensure that families are provided the information and care they deserve when a loved one dies under suspicious circumstances.

“The previous system was ineffective at quickly investigating deaths, lacked proper structure and resources, and too often denied victims and their families the justice they deserved.

“It’s my sincere hope that these newly enacted reforms will help grieving families to find closure, while ensuring that criminal deaths are quickly investigated and those responsible held accountable.”