Assemblyman Phil Palmesano (R,C,I-Corning) today expressed his appreciation for the activists in the organ donation community who helped spur his legislative colleagues and the governor to approve critical changes to Lauren’s Law.

Palmesano, a co-sponsor of the legislation, noted that the amendment requires New Yorkers signing up for or renewing their driver license to answer a question asking if they would like to become an organ donor. The amendment will invalidate applications that do not answer the question.

“I applaud the governor for approving this critical reform. This amendment will help bolster our organ and tissue donor registry and effectuate the vision we had when we passed Lauren’s Law in 2012. We want to encourage New Yorkers to give the gift of life, and this legislation will ensure that millions of them consider it. This session, we will continue to explore new ways to raise New York State’s lagging donation rates so that we can save more lives and impact more families,” said Palmesano.

The issue is a personal one for Palmesano, who donated a kidney to his sister in 2006. “I have seen firsthand the impact organ donation can have on a family. I would encourage everyone to please consider becoming an organ donor, as you never know when one of your family members may be in need of a life-saving organ transplant.”

Palmesano noted that there is more work to do. More than 10,000 New Yorkers are waiting for a transplant. New York ranks 51st out of 52 states and territories, leading only Puerto Rico. “We need to do much better, and we are going to continue raising awareness and advocating for this critical issue during this upcoming legislative session,” he said.

To register as an organ donor, visit donatelifenewyork.com or request a postage-paid enrollment form from info@alliancefordonation.org. New Yorkers also can register when they first earn or renew their driver license or when they register to vote.