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History
- Referred to transportation
- Referred to transportation
Companion bill
The same bill in the other chamber. A bill becomes law when one version passes both houses and the governor signs it, so either number can carry it.
Relates to authorizing forms of licenses to include blood types
In Assembly Committee · Transportation · Sponsor Michael Benedetto
Full text
The text isn't available here yet. Check nysenate.gov.
Sponsor's memo
Title of bill
An act to amend the vehicle and traffic law, in relation to authorizing forms of licenses to include blood types
Purpose
To provide persons holding New York State Driver's Licenses with the opportunity to have blood type information included on the driver's license.
Summary of provisions
The bill would amend §504 of the Vehicle and Traffic Law to authorize the form of a driver's license to include adequate space for a licensee's blood type to be recorded, if the licensee so chooses. It also authorizes the Commissioner of the Department of Motor Vehicles to consult with the Commissioner of the Department of Health on the inclusion of such blood type information.
Existing law
No provision currently exists for inclusion of a licensee's blood type upon a New York State Driver's License.
Justification
Time is of the essence when emergency medical staff are treating injuries of accident victims. One way to save valuable time is to ensure that a person's blood type is known to rescuers and medical personnel as soon as possible. The ABO blood group system, discovered in 1901, contains 4 blood types: A,B,AB and O. The Rh, or rhysus, system classifies blood into Rh-positive and Rh-negative categories. ABO incompatibilities are the major cause of fatal transfusion reactions; Rh antibodies develop as an adverse response after transfusion. Typing and cross matching blood ensures a safe match, but takes time and effort that may not be spared in an active life saving situation. Type O, which is 'universal donor blood', may often be used, but is typically in very short supply.
With over 2 million traffic accidents annually and many other incidents, accidents and rescue situations occurring regularly, providing quick access to blood type information ensures delivery of swift and effective aid.
Legislative history
2002 - A.9463 - Referred to Transportation 2004 - A.3197 - Referred to Transportation 2006 - S.3293 - Referred to Transportation 2008 - S.2233 - Referred to Transportation
Fiscal implications
Minimal cost to DMV of including a space on licenses for blood type information.
Effective date
Ninety days after enactment, with the DMV Commissioner authorized to promulgate necessary rules and regulations immediately.
Summaries, headlines and scores are AI-generated from the official bill text. How we score bills. Source: NYS Open Legislation.