Bill from North Country Sen. Ritchie approved by Senate would create next-of-kin registry for use in emergencies

A bill to help law enforcement more quickly find family members or loved ones of victims following accidents or other emergencies has passed the Senate.

The bill was sponsored by Sen. Patty Ritchie (R-Heuvelton).

Under Senate bill S.2396, the Department of Motor Vehicles would be directed to create an optional next-of-kin registry, where motorists could add information such as phone numbers and addresses of key people to be contacted in the event of an emergency.

“When an accident or medical emergency occurs, often times life or death decisions need to be made and loved ones need to be notified as quickly as possible,” said Ritchie, who represents the western half of St. Lawrence County including Ogdensburg, Canton and Gouverneur.

“However, law enforcement and emergency responders frequently run into difficulties when trying to find contact information of family members and loved ones. This legislation would make it easier for them to access vital information more quickly in situations when every minute counts.”

The measure would allow holders of driver’s licenses, learner’s permits and non-driver identification cards to register up to two emergency contacts who are 18 years of age or older. Included in the measure are provisions to protect motorists’ privacy, including limiting registry access solely to law enforcement agents who are actively investigating an accident or emergency scene.

The bill was sent to the Assembly for action there.