New New Jersey law creates next of kin registry

    A bill signed into law today creates a voluntary next of kin registry for drivers license- and identification card – carrying New Jersey residents. The bill was prompted by a critical accident in 2009.

    Sara’s Law allows residents with drivers licenses and state-issued ID cards to electronically submit the name and telephone number of an emergency contact to the Motor Vehicle Commission, the Associated Press reports.

    Law enforcement officials could use that information when a person is killed or seriously injured. The law is named for Sara Dubinin. The 19-year-old Sayreville resident was critically injured in an accident in 2009, it took 90 minutes to notify her parents.

    The law will take effect in 18 months so the MVC can develop the registry.

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