Committee advances bill to keep organ-donor designation on licenses through renewal

Senate committee members voted to release Senate Bill S2116 as amended, a measure that would keep an organ-donor designation on a driver's license or identification card through renewal unless the individual removes it through a change-of-status procedure.

The bill, as amended, directs the motor vehicle chief administrator to provide an opportunity to designate organ-donor status only if the applicant has not already designated that status on a motor vehicle credential and clarifies consultation with organ procurement organizations authorized by federal law.

Catherine DiApolonial, general counsel for New Jersey Sharing Network, testified in support and said the bill "will ensure that a person's individual choice to register as an organ donor remains on their license through renewal" and could streamline the process to increase registrations. Steve Tornoni of Gift of Life Donor Program also spoke in favor, saying the nearly 4,000 New Jersey residents on transplant waiting lists would benefit.

Committee discussion focused on the technical clarifications in the proposed committee amendments. A roll call recorded affirmative votes from Senator Tyler, Senator Cruz Perez, Senator Bertricelli, Vice Chair Mukherjee and the chairman; one member, Senator Josefel, was absent.

The measure was released from committee with the amendments described and will proceed through the legislative process.

Details of the amendment-making and the requirement to consult organ procurement organizations were discussed during testimony but did not change the bill's principal effect of preserving donor designations through renewals.