Bonacic Bill Among Organ Donation Proposals Signed Into Law

State Senator John J. Bonacic (R/I/C - Mount Hope) announced today that the Governor has approved his legislation, Senate bill 8281, which requires the prominent display of the words "Organ Donor" on a driver's license if that driver has consented to donate.

"Identifying an individual as an organ donor on the face of a driver's license as opposed to handwritten on the back and possibly illegible, will save critical minutes in emergency situations," stated Senator Bonacic. "We must do all we can to make the identification of a donor easier as there are many individuals on waiting lists whose lives depend on it."

Senator Bonacic said that several organ donation measures were enacted by the Legislature and signed into law. They include:

Senate bill 4610 - requires that a license application or renewal form to include a check off box for a voluntary donation of one dollar to the "Life Pass It On" fund.

Senate bill 8312 - requires the Department of Health to inform New Yorkers about the need and importance of organ and tissue donation through education and outreach programs.

Senate bill 8256 - directs the Transplant Council to issue a report on the issued surrounding presumed consent for organ donation, focusing on other presumed consent systems of other nations.

Senate bill 8379 - transforms the New York State Organ and Tissue Donor Registry from one of intent to one of consent.

Senate bill 759 - provides up to $10,000 subtracted from federal adjusted gross income for certain unreimbursed expenses incurred by living organ donor, including travel, lodging, and lost wages.

"I was pleased to support these important life-saving measures," concluded Senator Bonacic.