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Bill > S1135


NJ S1135

NJ S1135
Provides for opting out of organ and tissue donation.


summary

Introduced
01/09/2024
In Committee
01/09/2024
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
01/12/2026

Introduced Session

2024-2025 Regular Session

Bill Summary

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.

AI Summary

This bill shifts New Jersey's organ and tissue donation system from an "opt-in" to an "opt-out" model for individuals aged 18 and older when applying for or renewing a driver's license or identification card. Under the new system, individuals will be presumed to be organ donors unless they actively choose to opt out, a process that requires an affirmative designation. The bill also mandates that those who opt out must review educational materials about organ donation, and it updates how donor information is managed and accessed by designated organ procurement organizations, which are entities responsible for coordinating organ donation and transplantation services.

Committee Categories

Transportation and Infrastructure

Sponsors (1)

Last Action

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

bill text


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