Directs the commissioner of motor vehicles to establish a next of kin registry for holders of drivers' licenses, learners' permits and non-driver identification

3 Co-sponsors

• Simcha Felder
• Rich Funke
• Jeffrey D. Klein

Title of bill

An act to amend the vehicle and traffic law, in relation to establishing a next of kin registry for holders of drivers' licenses, learners' permits and non-driver identification cards

Purpose

To create a "next of kin registry" in the State of New York.

Summary

Section 1 amends the Vehicle and Traffic Law by adding a new section (215-a) in order to require the commissioner of the Department of Motor Vehicles to establish and operate a statewide internet accessible website known as the "next of kin registry." The commissioner of the Department of Motor Vehicles is required to create a system by which the license/ID holder can sign in using their card number and add emergency contacts who are 18 years or older. The emergency contact will be contacted by an investigating police officer in the event of an accident pursuant to the new Section 607 of the Vehicle and Traffic Law provided for in Section 2 of this legislation.

Section 2 creates a new Section 607 of the Vehicle and Traffic Law in order to provide notification of emergency contacts.

Section 3 provides the effective date.

Justification

In the event of a motor vehicle accident, family members of the victims should be informed in a timely manner. The current law provides no way for police officers to find contact information for a victims' emergency contacts in the event of an accident.

This bill establishes a statewide internet site to be known as the "next of kin registry." Holders of drivers' licenses, learners' permits and non-driver identification cards will be able to visit the website and use their card number to register up to two emergency contacts. The emergency contacts must be 18 years or older. In the event of an accident resulting in physical injury, death, or incapacitation, the investigating police officer will then attempt to contact the emergency contact(s) provided for in the online registry. Furthermore, this bill specifically provides protection for registrants from disclosure under the Freedom of Information Law. Only police officers in the specific instances outlined in this bill will be permitted to access emergency contact information provided in the "next of kin registry." This legislation will also allow New York State's Department of Motor Vehicles to apply a similar system to other states' online registries for "next of kin" emergency contacts.

Motor vehicle accidents are traumatic for victims and their family members. In our technological age, it is inexcusable that anything prevent the prompt notice of victims' next of kin in the event of an accident resulting in physical injury, death, or incapacitation. This legislation provides that notice in safe and efficient manner.

Legislative history

2011-2012: S.5276 Passed Senate / A.8021 Referred to Transportation 2013-2014: S.1948 Passed Senate / A.9120 Referred to Transportation

Fiscal impact

Minimal. EFFECTIVE DATE : This act shall take effect on the one hundred eightieth day after it shall have become law; provided, that, effective immediately, any actions necessary to implement the provisions of this act on its effective date are authorized and directed to be completed on or before such date.