Organ donor status question advanced

Lawmakers advanced from select file Jan. 27 a bill that would update the process for indicating one’s organ donor status when applying for a driver license.

As introduced by Syracuse Sen. Dan Watermeier, LB47 would have required an applicant to indicate whether or not they wish to be an organ donor when applying for a state driver license or identification card. On general file, some senators voiced concerns that requiring the answer was the same as compelling speech, which is unconstitutional.

Watermeier introduced an amendment on select file, adopted 35-0, making an answer to the question optional rather than mandatory. The question would read: Do you wish to include your name in the Donor Registry of Nebraska and donate your organs and tissues at the time of your death?

The amendment also provided that a donor’s status would remain effective until revoked or amended by the license holder. Expiration of the driver license would not change the license holder’s donor status.

License and permit applicants younger than 16 would be exempt from answering the organ donor question. Donors who want to specify which organs and tissues they intend to donate must contact the state’s donor registry.

Omaha Sen. John McCollister supported the amendment and said the intent of the bill is commendable.

“If we can generate an additional 50,000 to 80,000 organ donors, that’s fantastic,” he said.

The bill advanced to final reading by voice vote.