Requires State agencies to provide information regarding living donations; appropriates $1 million.
Summary
This bill requires every New Jersey State agency, in consultation with the Department of Human Services (DHS), to make public information about living donation available at agency locations and on agency websites. The information must be provided in hard copy at each State agency location and posted prominently in digital form online, with DHS responsible for supplying the materials and updating them at least every two years.
The bill defines “living donation” as the donation of an anatomical gift by a living donor for transplantation into another person. It also directs DHS to adopt any rules and regulations needed to carry out the law. In addition, the bill appropriates $1 million from the General Fund to DHS to implement the program, and it would take effect immediately upon enactment.
Impact
The bill would add a new public-information mandate for State agencies and DHS, supplementing Title 26 of the Revised Statutes. It would require executive branch agencies, including State colleges and public institutions of higher education, to distribute and display standardized living-donation educational materials, while excluding local government units. The measure also creates a direct fiscal impact by appropriating $1 million to DHS for implementation and ongoing updating of the materials.
Sentiment
Based on the bill text and the absence of recorded committee testimony or votes, the measure appears to be framed as a public-health and awareness initiative rather than a controversial policy change. Its stated purpose is educational: to increase public understanding of living donation and support organ transplantation efforts. No formal voting history or hearing record is provided, so there is no documented opposition or support beyond the bill’s sponsorship and stated intent.
Contention
The main potential points of contention are likely administrative burden and cost. State agencies would need to post and maintain materials in both paper and digital formats, and DHS would need to develop, distribute, and periodically update the information. The $1 million appropriation may also draw scrutiny over whether the amount is necessary and how it will be used. Because the bill is limited to State agencies and does not apply to local governments, any debate would likely focus on implementation details, funding, and the scope of the outreach requirement rather than the underlying goal of promoting living donation.