Bill > S1135

Introduced Session

This bill amends the motor vehicle laws regarding designation as an organ donor. Under current law, New Jersey has an "opt in" system for registering to be an organ donor when applying for or renewing a motor vehicle license or identification card. At the time of application for a new license, renewal license, identification card or renewal identification card a resident is provided with the opportunity to designate that the person shall donate all or any organs or tissues for the purposes of transplantation or therapy. This bill amends current law to provide for an "opt out" system where the default designation on every license or identification card issued is to be that a person is an organ donor. A person wishing to opt out of organ donation is required to make an affirmative designation to that effect. This provision does not apply to persons under the age of 18. The bill adds residents 18 years of age and older having default donor designations to the Donate Life NJ Registry. This bill also changes the requirements for the promotion of organ and tissue donation by the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission. Currently, a license or identification card is not to be issued or renewed unless the applicant first addresses the issue of organ donation. Applicants who are not registered as organ donors are required to register as an organ donor or review information about organ donation. The bill amends this section of law to provide that any resident who wishes to opt out of organ donation is to review these materials.

Committee Categories

John McKeon (D)*, 

Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Transportation Committee (on 01/09/2024)

Official Document