New York State Assemblyman James Conte has announced that the new, custom "Life - Pass It On" license plate and the Life - Pass It On Trust Fund are finally a reality.

Conte, a member of the Governor's Task Force on Organ Donation and a two-time kidney transplant recipient himself, has worked closely with Governor Pataki to establish programs that help educate the public and disseminate information on the importance of organ donation.

"In our state, 8,100 New Yorkers are in need of transplants," Conte explained. "This new program gives people the opportunity to raise money by showing their support for organ donation through the purchase of special license plates while spreading the word about the ultimate gift - the gift of life."

The initial cost for a standard 'Life - Pass It On' plate is $43 plus the regular license plate registration fee. The annual renewal fee is $25, $20 of which will be deposited to the Life - Pass It On Trust Fund. A personalized version of the 'Life - Pass It On' plate with a motorist's choice of up to six characters, including spaces, is available for $68, with an annual renewal fee of $50. Renewal fees are billed every two years. The trust fund will be used for organ donation and transplant research and educational projects promoting organ and tissue donation. It will also promote the organ donor registry campaign throughout New York State.

Conte is also responsible for spearheading statewide efforts for the Organ Donor Medal of Honor program signed into law last year that recognizes the selfless act of organ, tissue and bone marrow donors and their families. He said he was pleased to see how New York had taken up the cause, leading the nation in the promotion of organ donation. Since the creation of the New York State Organ and Tissue Donor Registry in 2000, donor enrollment has reached 624,287, averaging 20,000 new enrollments per month.

To become registered as a potential organ donor, individuals should check the 'New York State Organ and Tissue Registry' box on their driver license, permit or non-driver ID application or renewal form. Donors may also visit the New York State Department of Health's Web site at www.health.state.ny.us/nysdoh/donor/index.htm. Additional information on organ and tissue donation can also be obtained at the Department of Motor Vehicles Web site at www.nysdmv.com.

"It's a very special gift," Conte said. "Organ donation can change a person's life immeasurably, and I ought to know!" he added, alluding to his own two kidney transplants.