summary
Introduced
01/13/2026
01/13/2026
In Committee
01/13/2026
01/13/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
2026-2027 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 18 years 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 not to be, a process referred to as "opting out." Those who wish to opt out will be required to review educational materials about organ donation, whereas previously, all applicants who were not registered donors had to register or review information. The bill also updates the Donate Life NJ Registry, a database of organ donors, to include these default donor designations and ensures that organ procurement organizations, which are federally designated entities responsible for coordinating organ donation, have real-time electronic access to this information for verification purposes.
Committee Categories
Transportation and Infrastructure
Sponsors (1)
Last Action
Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Transportation Committee (on 01/13/2026)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
Loading...
bill summary
Loading...
bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/bill-search/2026/S2302 |
| BillText | https://pub.njleg.gov/Bills/2026/S2500/2302_I1.HTM |
Loading...