Permits driver's license to display license holder's blood type upon request.

2026-2027 Regular Session Introduced by Vicky Flynn and 4 co-sponsors

The bill lets New Jersey driver’s licenses display the holder’s blood type only if the licensee requests it, making blood type opt-in on the license.

Introduced, Referred to Assembly Transportation and Independent Authorities Committee

Summary of Bill A 5284 (New Jersey, Session 222)

Purpose and Intent

The bill authorizes a request-based disclosure of a license holder’s blood type on an individual’s driver’s license. In other words, the license may display the holder’s blood type if the license holder requests that information to be shown.

Key Provisions and Changes

Authorization on License: The driver’s license would display the license holder’s blood type upon request. This implies a mechanism by which the information is shown only if the licensee asks for it to be included.

Personal Data Handling: The bill addresses the display of a sensitive medical datum (blood type) on a commonly used official document (the driver’s license), contingent on the license holder’s consent.

Scope of Display: The provision pertains specifically to the display on the license; it does not automatically reveal blood type to third parties. The text indicates a voluntary opt-in for visibility on the license itself.

Affected Parties and Impacts

Primary Affected Party: License holders in New Jersey who may choose to have their blood type displayed on their driver’s license. -Potential Beneficiaries: Individuals who want to provide quick medical information to responders in emergencies or to facilitate medical treatment where blood type is relevant.

Privacy and Safety Considerations: The bill movesBlood type data onto a government-issued ID, raising privacy and security considerations, including who can view the information and how it is protected on the license and in records.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

Legislative Status: The bill is introduced in Assembly (A 5284) during Session 222 with multiple co-sponsors.

Implementation Considerations: The text suggests a framework for how a license holder would request the display, but specific administrative, regulatory, or IT system changes (e.g., how the display is shown, how data is stored, and how it is verified) would be determined in accompanying regulations or implementing guidance.

Notable Details

Sponsors: Co-sponsors include Vicky Flynn, Gerry Scharfenberger, Greg Myhre, Brian Rumpf, and Paul Kanitra.

Jurisdiction: New Jersey

Title: Permits driver's license to display license holder's blood type upon request

Practical Takeaways

For residents: If you want your blood type shown on your New Jersey driver’s license, you would need to request it under this bill’s framework.

For emergency responders and medical providers: The bill could provide rapid access to a patient’s blood type directly from a license, subject to consent and display parameters.

For privacy: This change requires careful consideration of who can view the blood type on the license and how it is protected in practice.

If you want, I can tailor this summary to emphasize privacy implications, emergency medicine relevance, or the potential regulatory steps likely needed for implementation.