Bamberg County coroner begins charging fees for records

The Bamberg County Coroner's Office began charging fees for several records and permits effective January 1, 2026, a change that could affect families handling deaths, funeral directors and attorneys who request documentation. The office posted a notice listing the new charges and included a brief apology and forward-looking message from Coroner Shawn B Hanks.

The fee schedule announced by the coroner sets the cost of an autopsy report at $125.00 and a toxicology report at $100.00. Consults will carry a $50.00 charge. Cremation permits and coroner's reports are each listed at $35.00. The notice concluded, "We are very sorry for any inconvenience." It was signed by Shawn B Hanks, Coroner, and added, "We are looking forward to working with you to make this a prosperous year."

For residents, the most immediate effect will be on routine paperwork. Families arranging cremations will now encounter a $35 permit fee from the coroner in addition to other funeral costs. Relatives pursuing legal claims or seeking closure through records will face fees for autopsy and toxicology documents that previously may have been provided without charge in some jurisdictions. Local funeral homes and county attorneys who regularly request coroner documentation should expect to factor these charges into client billing and case expenses.

The policy change also raises questions about access to official records and the administrative costs of the coroner's office. Smaller counties like Bamberg operate with limited staff and resources, and fees can be a straightforward way to recoup costs for specialized services such as toxicology testing. At the same time, fees for public records and permits can create barriers for low-income families and for public-interest inquiries that rely on coroner documentation.

Residents and local professionals will want to confirm practical details directly with the coroner's office: acceptable payment methods, processing times for reports, and whether any exemptions or waivers exist for indigent families or ongoing criminal and civil cases. Local officials on county council and budget committees will also be watching how new revenue from fees is tracked and used.

The takeaway? Ask before you request. Call the coroner's office to get an estimate, confirm payment options, and plan for any added expenses when arranging funeral or legal matters. Our two cents? Knowing the fees up front can save stress and last-minute surprises during an already difficult time.