Donate Life New York State Supports Doorways To Donation Act Adding Organ Donor Registration When Filing Taxes

New York Passes Doorways To Donation Act To Add Organ Donor Option On Tax Forms

USA: New York lawmakers approved the Doorways to Donation Act in the waning hours of the legislative session, adding a new opportunity for residents to register as organ donors when filing state taxes. The move follows years of efforts to expand registration options and aims to boost enrollment in the state donor registry.

About 53% of New Yorkers are now enrolled in the registry, a substantial climb over the past 14 years under state leadership, yet more than 8,000 people remain on transplant waiting lists. Donate Life New York State, which pioneered offering donor registration at voter sign-up, reports more than 400,000 enrollments through that single channel and has helped drive sustained growth in registry participation.

The new law joins existing pathways such as voter registration and programs with the New York State Health Marketplace; officials are also working with private insurers to present registration opportunities in plan enrollment. Advocates say expanding touchpoints where the question is asked — including tax filings — will translate into more registered donors and more organ transplantation opportunities.

Healthcare leaders are urging New Yorkers to register wherever the option is presented and to re-register if they are unsure of their status. Organ donation enables life-saving transplantation for others, and proponents view the Doorways to Donation Act as a practical step toward closing the gap between those waiting and available donors.

Video originally published on 2026-06-09 19:00:37