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A 1395

Permits a close friend to make an anatomical gift of a decedent's body

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Jeffrey Dinowitz and 6 co-sponsors

Bill A 1395 allows close friends to authorize anatomical gifts of a deceased's body, increasing organ donations and respecting decedents' wishes when family isn't available.

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Bill Summary · A 1395

Summary of Bill A 1395

Bill Overview

  • Bill Number: A 1395
  • Title: Permits a close friend to make an anatomical gift of a decedent's body
  • Status: Returned to Assembly
  • Introduced: January 09, 2025
  • Classification: Legislative Bill

Purpose and Intent

Bill A 1395 aims to expand the legal framework surrounding anatomical gifts by allowing a close friend of a deceased individual to make decisions regarding the donation of the decedent's body. This legislation seeks to provide greater flexibility and accessibility in the process of organ and tissue donation, recognizing the important role that close friends can play in the lives of individuals who may wish to donate their bodies after death.

Key Provisions

  • Anatomical Gift Authorization: The bill specifically permits a close friend to authorize an anatomical gift of a decedent's body, which includes organs and tissues for transplantation or medical research.
  • Definition of Close Friend: The bill defines a "close friend" as someone who has a significant relationship with the decedent, although the specific criteria for this relationship are not detailed in the bill text.
  • Legal Standing: This provision would grant close friends the same legal standing as family members in making anatomical gift decisions, thereby simplifying the process and potentially increasing the number of available donations.

Impact

  • Beneficiaries: The primary beneficiaries of this bill would be individuals in need of organ transplants and medical research facilities that rely on anatomical gifts. By broadening the scope of who can authorize donations, the bill aims to increase the overall number of anatomical gifts.
  • Decedents' Wishes: The bill also respects the wishes of decedents who may have expressed a desire to donate their bodies but did not have immediate family members available to make that decision.
  • Healthcare Providers: Medical professionals and organizations involved in organ procurement may find it easier to facilitate donations, potentially leading to improved outcomes for patients awaiting transplants.

Legislative Timeline

  • 2025-01-09: Bill introduced and referred to the Health Committee.
  • 2025-02-24: Bill reported out of committee.
  • 2025-02-27: Advanced to third reading.
  • 2025-03-03: Passed in the Assembly and delivered to the Senate.
  • 2025-03-03: Referred to the Senate Health Committee.
  • 2025-06-11: Substituted for S 3360, passed in the Senate, and returned to the Assembly.

Related Legislation

  • A 7703: A prior-session bill that may have addressed similar issues.
  • S 3360: A companion bill in the Senate that aligns with the provisions of A 1395.

This summary provides a clear overview of Bill A 1395, its purpose, key provisions, and the potential impact on organ donation practices. The bill reflects an effort to modernize and enhance the anatomical gift process by recognizing the role of close friends in making these important decisions.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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