New Jersey Assembly Bill A4027

New Jersey 2022-2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 5/16/22
• Refer: 5/16/22

Caption

Retains organ donor designation upon renewal and issuance of certain documents.

Impact

The bill is set to impact the way organ donor designations are managed within the state. Currently, individuals must confirm their organ donor status with each renewal of their permits or licenses. By retaining the designation automatically, A4027 will likely increase overall organ donation rates by removing bureaucratic hurdles that may discourage people from maintaining their donor status. The Chief Administrator of the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission will facilitate the ability for individuals to remove their designation during the renewal process, ensuring that personal autonomy is preserved.

Summary

Assembly Bill A4027 aims to streamline the process regarding organ donor designations on various driver's and identification licenses in New Jersey. This legislation specifies that if a person is designated as an organ donor on their examination permit, special learner's permit, basic driver's license, or identification card, that designation will remain intact upon the renewal or issuance of any relevant documents unless the individual opts to remove it. This eliminates the need for individuals to re-confirm their donor status at each renewal, thereby simplifying the process.

Contention

While the bill may seem straightforward, it could raise discussions regarding the importance of automatic donor registrations versus individual choice and awareness. Proponents argue that this change will enhance organ donation rates and ease administrative procedures. However, there may be concerns among some members of the public about the effectiveness of such measures, particularly issues surrounding whether individuals are adequately informed about their designation status when they are not required to confirm it regularly. This could affect the perceptions of personal choice and consent in organ donation practices.