State Senator Patty Ritchie is announcing her bill to make it easier for police and emergency responders to notify family and loved ones in the event of serious accidents by including emergency contact information in motorists’ driving records has been approved by the Senate. 

Under Senate bill S.1910-A, the Department of Motor Vehicles would be directed to create an optional “Next-of-Kin Registry.”  Through the registry, motorists could add information about key contacts that first responders and police could reach out to in the event of an emergency.

“When an emergency happens, every second counts—and often times, it’s critical that those on the scene get in touch with the loved ones of those involved as quickly as possible,” said Senator Patty Ritchie. 

“Through this measure, we can help those responding to reach emergency contacts in a much more timely manner, and therefore improve their chances of survival if important life or death medical decisions need to be made.”

Through Senator Ritchie’s legislation, holders of drivers’ licenses, learners’ permits and on-driver education cards would have the option to visit a website and register up to two emergency contacts who are 18 years of age or older. 

To protect the privacy of motorists, the measure includes provisions that only allow law enforcement agents who are actively investigating an accident or emergency scene to access the information.

The bill was sent to the Assembly.