ALBANY – State Senator James L. Seward (R – Oneonta) announced senate passage of a comprehensive package of bipartisan bills yesterday, May 2, aimed at encouraging more New Yorkers to become organ and tissue donors and protecting the rights of those who do.

The bills focus on enhancing public awareness and removing bureaucratic obstacles and will increase the number of New Yorkers who sign up to help save lives through organ, tissue, bone marrow, and blood donation.

“The waiting list for organ and tissue transplants in New York is extraordinarily long,” said Senator Seward. “The senate has been a leader in drawing attention to this issue, passing legislation to enhance public awareness and increase the number of New Yorkers who sign up to help save lives through organ, tissue, bone marrow, and blood donation. We can do more, and these new bills are another lifesaving step forward.”