1997 Minnesota Statutes

     390.005 Election or appointment, qualifications; vested 
  rights; vacancies. 

    Subdivision 1.    County election.  A coroner shall be 
 elected in each county as prescribed by section 382.01, except 
 as provided in this section. 

    Subd. 2.    Appointment by resolution.  In a county 
 where the office of coroner has not been abolished, the board of 
 county commissioners may by resolution state its intention to 
 fill the office by appointment.  The resolution must be adopted 
 at least six months before the end of the term of the incumbent 
 coroner.  After the resolution is adopted, the board shall fill 
 the office by appointing a person not less than 30 days before 
 the end of the incumbent's term.  The appointed coroner shall 
 serve for a term of office determined by the board beginning 
 upon the expiration of the term of the incumbent.  The term must 
 not be longer than four years.  

    If there is a vacancy in the office in the county, the 
 board may by resolution, state its intention to fill the office 
 by appointment.  When the resolution is adopted, the board shall 
 fill the office by appointment immediately.  The coroner shall 
 serve for a term determined by the board.  The term must not be 
 longer than four years.  

    Subd. 3.    Educational requirements.  A coroner must 
 have successfully completed academic courses in pharmacology, 
 surgery, pathology, toxicology, and physiology.  However, if a 
 board of county commissioners determines that the office of 
 coroner shall not be elective and it cannot appoint any person 
 meeting the educational qualifications as coroner, the board may:

    (1) appoint any qualified person, whether or not a resident 
 of the county; or 

    (2) if no qualified person can be found, appoint a person 
 who is serving or has served as deputy coroner, whether or not a 
 resident of the county. 

    Subd. 4.    Certain incumbents.  An incumbent coroner in 
 office on July 1, 1965 meets the qualifications prescribed by 
 this section for the purpose of continuance in, reelection to, 
 or appointment to office.  

    Subd. 5.    Vacancies.  Vacancies in the office of 
 coroner shall be filled according to sections 375.08 and 
 382.02.  A coroner may be removed from office as provided by law.

    HIST: 1965 c 761 s 1; 1983 c 114 s 1; 1985 c 265 art 7 s 1; 
 1994 c 445 s 1