Senator Bill Larkin Introduces Legislation To Give Sportsmen The Option To Register For Organ Donation When Obtaining A Hunting, Fishing, Or Trapping License

Senator Bill Larkin (R-C-I, Cornwall-On-Hudson) recently introduced legislation that would allow those applying for or renewing a hunting, fishing, or trapping license to enroll in New York’s Donate Life Registry. 

“For far too long New York has lagged behind other states when it comes to registering for organ donation,” said Senator Bill Larkin.  “There are approximately 10,000 people who live in New York who are currently waiting for a lifesaving transplant.  By increasing enrollment in the New York State Donate Life Registry, we can save lives.”

For several years, New York has consistently had one of the lowest rates of residents enrolled in organ, eye, and tissue registration in the nation. The State Senate has been advocating for additional resources and raising public awareness of the importance of organ donation through legislation.  As part of the Senate’s commitment to this issue, $1.3 million was included in this year’s enacted state budget to promote organ donation.

“The State Senate has stepped up to the challenge and is working hard to raise awareness of this important issue,” said Senator Bill Larkin “This legislation will simply increase the opportunities for New Yorkers to enroll in this lifesaving cause.”

Those wishing to enroll in the New York State Donate Life Registry may do so quickly and easily by visiting:  https://donatelife.ny.gov/register/

“I applaud Senator Larkin on introducing legislation that will undoubtedly increase the amount of organ donor applications in New York State,” said Dr. Eli Avila, Orange County Department of Health Commissioner.  “This will not be the first time Senator Larkin has sponsored legislation that has saved lives.  The health community will never forget Senator Larkin’s leadership on legislation that required hospitals and health clinics to screen newborn babies for congenital heart defects through pulse oximetry screening. The Pulse Ox legislation continues to save countless babies each year and this new legislation introduced by Senator Larkin will also help to save lives in the future.”