Bill > S03360

This bill amends the New York Public Health Law to expand the list of individuals who can make an anatomical gift of a deceased person's body by adding "a close friend" as an authorized party. Specifically, the bill modifies existing law to include a close friend (as defined in another section of the legal code) among the persons who can consent to donate a body, joining other existing authorized parties like guardians and family members. The bill also ensures that if multiple members of the authorized classes (now including close friends) are available, an anatomical gift can be made by a majority agreement, and it stipulates that if any member of the class knows of an objection from another member, the gift requires a majority consensus from those reasonably available. The bill will take effect on the first day of January following its passage, and the Commissioner of Health is authorized to take preparatory actions to implement the law's provisions in advance of that date. This change potentially provides more flexibility for individuals whose family members are unavailable or unwilling to make decisions about body donation.

Health and Social Services

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S3360