Assemblymember Phil Steck (D-Colonie) announced that his legislation to establish an electronic death registration system, which will provide cost-savings and efficiencies for local funeral directors and municipalities, was signed into law by the governor (Ch. 352 of 2013).

“The existing process in New York State is for local funeral directors to fill out superfluous paperwork, which they then must deliver to the city clerk’s office, where the paperwork is re-filed,” said Assemblymember Steck. “My legislation will streamline this process, saving time and money for funeral directors and localities.”

The new system will be designed and maintained by the New York State Department of Health. It will collect, store, record, transmit, amend and authenticate information relating to deaths that have occurred in the state. Rather than funeral directors bringing paperwork to local clerk’s offices, repeatedly paying transportation costs and spending time in transit, the paperwork will be filed and signed by the clerk electronically.

Assemblymember Steck’s legislation received the support of the NYS Funeral Directors Association because it will strengthen local businesses by eliminating a redundant process, reducing costs and increasing efficiencies. These benefits will also improve the process for municipal governments, noted Assemblymember Steck.

“Having this registry available will allow the Schenectady City Clerk’s office more time to serve residents rather than duplicating time-consuming paperwork related to death certificates,” said Schenectady City Clerk Chuck Thorne. “I commend Assemblymember Steck for carrying this legislation and bringing this efficiency to local municipal clerk’s offices statewide.”