Organ donor question updated

Lawmakers passed a bill Feb. 5 that updates the process for indicating one’s organ donor status when applying for a driver license.

LB47, introduced by Syracuse Sen. Dan Watermeier, asks an applicant to indicate whether or not he or she wishes to be an organ donor when applying for a state driver license or identification card. Answering the question is optional.

The question will 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?

A donor’s status will remain effective until revoked or amended by the license holder. Expiration of the driver license will not change the license holder’s donor status.

License and permit applicants younger than 16 are 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.

The bill passed on a 48-0 vote.