Senator Gallivan Announces New Law Will Designate Vehicles for Organ Delivery

Senator Patrick M. Gallivan (R-C-I, Elma) announces legislation to amend New York’s vehicle and traffic law to designate human organ delivery vehicles as authorized emergency vehicles has been signed into law by Governor Hochul.  Senator Gallivan, the Ranking Member of the Senate Health Committee, co-sponsored the bill (S.4071A).

"When an organ becomes available for transplant, every minute counts,” Senator Gallivan said.  “Since ambulances may not always be available, vehicles allowed to transport organs should be expanded and given emergency designation.  Updating the law to include more vehicles to perform this important task will help save lives.”

Under current law, the options for transporting organs is limited.  The new legislation updates the vehicle and traffic law to better define human organ delivery vehicles and establish standards for their operation. 

Vehicles will have to be clearly marked and authorized to operate as a human organ delivery vehicle by the Department of Health.  Drivers will also be required to undergo training for the operation of an emergency vehicle.  The Commissioner of Health will work with the Commissioner of Motor Vehicles to promulgate the rules and regulations.

The legislation passed the Senate and Assembly in June and was signed by the governor on October 25, 2021.

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