Those citizens and attorneys looking to obtain a copy of a death certificate could see an increase in the fee they are required to pay under a new plan proposed to the the House State Affairs Committee. The plan, presented by Rep. Marc Gibbs, R-Grace, would increase the fee from the current amount, $13, by $1.
Gibbs, during his testimony before the committee, said that the fee hike would enable the state to create a pool of money for ongoing education and re-education for county coroners. He added that because many coroners are involved with determining causes of death, their education must be kept current. Gibbs also said that many counties are concerned that their coroners, due to lack of training, often contaminate crime scenes.
Idaho's fee is level with many surrounding states. Utah's fee for one copy is $16, while Montana's is lower than Idaho's at $12. Oregon and Washington have the highest rates in the region, charging $20 for the first copy.
Gibbs said the fee hike could generate as much as $50,000 in additional revenue for the state per year.
The committee voted unanimously to support the proposal and will hear more testimony on the matter in upcoming weeks. A list of the fees for death certificates can be found here.
