Beech Tree News Network

Senate Bill 30 will allow the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet to add organ donation questions to the screen when individuals are renewing their car tags online.  It also allows County Clerks the opportunity to ask people in person to register as organ donors. 

"Nearly 1,000 Kentuckians are waiting for a lifesaving organ transplant.  Across America, 20 people die each day due to this need.  We knew we must find additional ways to grow the registry to match the increasing need for organ donation.  As the registry grows, so does the number of organ donors and transplants - so this bill truly saves lives," shares Melissa Cardwell, Butler Co. Circuit Clerk. 

In 2021, more than 500 organs were recovered and transplanted across the Kentucky region, thanks to nearly 200 generous organ donors.  SB 30 will expand the number of times people are asked to join the Registry and help those requiring urgent transplant services.  The bill was sponsored by Senator Brandon Storm and passes unanimously through the Senate and House.  Governor Andy Beshear signed it into law on March 9.

"I am proud to sponsor this lifesaving legislation.  It is critical to increase the number of organ and tissue donors in Kentucky," Senator Brandon Storm said.  "Working with these passionate nonprofits and Boards of Directors to draft this bill was important to me as I know it will result in more registered donors and more lives saved." 

"The Circuit Clerks committed to supporting the mission of organ donation 30 years ago.  It is thrilling to see the continued momentum as SB 30 will potentially double the number of people who are asked to join the Registry each year.  I have been honored to be part of the education and positive shift for Kentucky," says Cardwell. 

For more information about organ, tissue, and cornea donation or to register as a donor, please visit donatelifeky.org.

About Circuit Clerks' Trust For Life

The Kentucky Circuit Court Clerks' Trust For Life (TFL) is a 501c(3) non-profit organization that educated and encourages Kentuckians to be registered organ and tissue donors to save lives.  TFL was founded in 1992 as the charitable arm of the Kentucky Association of Circuit Court Clerks.  The dollar donations at driver's license counters and other philanthropic partners, including KODA, Kentucky Transportation Cabinet, and Kosair Charities, fund the statewide community outreach and public relations efforts to grow the Registry.  For more info call 1-866-945-5433, email [email protected], or visit www.donatelifeky.org.