SACRAMENTO – Last week Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger signed SB 1395 by Sen. Elaine Alquist (D-Santa Clara), making it easier for Californians to affirm their organ donor status and creating the nation's first kidney donor registry.

“Organ donors are true heroes and I’m proud to sign SB 1395,” Schwarzenegger said. “This legislation will help save the lives of those waiting for a transplant by making it easier for Californians to affirm their preferred organ donor status. It will also create the nation’s first donor registry for kidney transplants to help connect those in need of a transplant with those willing to give. I applaud all of those who were involved in passing this life-saving legislation.”

On March 19, Schwarzenegger and Alquist announced the introduction of SB 1395.

The legislation will give Californians a choice between registering to be an organ donor or considering at another time via a mandated question through the Department of Motor Vehicles driver license application/renewal or state ID card application process.

The legislation also creates the nation’s first living donor registry for kidney transplants to better connect those who want to donate with those in need of a transplant.