Panel backs resolution asking OMV to study adding blood type field to driver's licenses

Baton Rouge — The Senate Committee on Transportation on May 14 reported Senate Resolution 91, a measure asking the Office of Motor Vehicles to study whether driver credentials could include voluntary blood‑type information.

Senator Patrick McMath, handling the resolution for Senator Mizell, said the study would examine feasibility and operational questions for OMV. “What the resolution does is request the Office of Motor Vehicles to study the feasibility of including blood types on driver's licenses,” McMath said, noting existing license fields already identify organ‑donor status and other medical indicators.

Susie Potter of the Blood Center testified in support, describing clinical and public‑health advantages. “If you have a heart on it, we all know that means you want to be an organ donor. DMV has the right to ask you at that time what your blood type is, but nothing happens to it. Look on the back of your driver's license at the very bottom, there is a space that says blood type,” Potter said. She said a voluntary, documented blood type could help pre‑identify needs during emergencies and encourage more people to learn and share their blood type, supporting blood‑supply stability.

Senators discussed voluntary participation, data‑space constraints on the credential and the need for OMV to weigh costs and verification processes. Committee members agreed the study should include whether the field would be voluntary and how OMV would verify submitted information (for example, donor card, medical records or blood center documentation).

The committee reported SR 91 favorably. Ending: The resolution now asks OMV to study feasibility and report back, with supporters urging an approach that is voluntary, verifiable and protective of personal data.