Earlier this week, an important bill co-sponsored by Assemblyman Phil Palmesano (R,C,I-Corning) to encourage New Yorkers to give the gift of life and register as organ donors passed in the state Assembly. The legislation’s chief sponsor is Assemblywoman Aileen Gunther (D, Forestburgh).

The legislation (A.9667-A) would require enrollment applications for the New York State health insurance exchange to ask prospective enrollees if they would like to register as organ donors.

The bill has passed both houses of the legislature and heads to Gov. Cuomo’s desk for consideration.

“The more ways we can ask New Yorkers to register, the better. This legislation is creating more opportunities for people to sign up to save a life. Organ and tissue donation is a lifeline for individuals and families dealing with the most difficult circumstances you can imagine,” said Palmesano.

“We lost more than 500 men, woman and children in 2015 right here in New York as they waited for a life-saving organ transplant that never came. We can do better, we must do better,” said Palmesano.

This legislation is Palmesano’s most recent effort to change that. He championed Lauren’s Law, similar legislation which requires those renewing their driver’s license to be asked to enroll as organ donors. He also supported legislation to make it easier to enroll as an organ donor by streamlining the process online.

Palmesano said to expect new solutions to combat the state’s disappointing donation rate of 23 percent. The national average is 50%. Palmesano noted that one person donating at the time of their death can save up to eight lives and impact up to fifty others through tissue donations that can restore eyesight, help burn victims fight infection, promote mobility and fight disabilities.

“We won’t stop. We will continue to look for new ways to educate New Yorkers of this incredible need and provide them with even more opportunities to register to become an organ donor and save lives.