LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — A measure to encourage more drivers to sign up to be organ donors is headed to a second round of debate in the Nebraska Legislature.
Lawmakers voted 32-8 Tuesday to advance the bill, which would require applicants for driver’s licenses or identification cards to answer whether or not they would like to donate their organs if they die.
Supporters say the bill by Sen. Dan Watermeier of Syracuse could save lives by providing more organs for transplants. In states where a yes or no answer is mandatory, more people choose to join the donor registry.
But opponents say the bill violates free speech protections because it would force applicants to answer a government question that is not related to their qualifications to drive.