WILKES-BARRE – MP Tarah Toohil says the legislation she is proposing would ensure that people who make the life-saving decision to become organ donors do not face economic barriers as a result of their choice.
Toohil, R-Butler Twp., Said legislation to protect living organ donors in Pennsylvania was passed unanimously by the House Insurance Committee on Tuesday.
House Bill 203 is now being forwarded to the entire House for review.
“I am grateful to Chair Tina Pickett and the other committee members for pushing the bill forward so soon in the new session,” Toohil said. “I am confident that it can continue the legislative process in good time and be implemented into law.”
Toohil donated a kidney to her late mother in 2003 and has been a strong advocate of organ donation during her tenure.
House Bill 203 – or the Living Donor Protection Act – would forbid a life or health insurance company from discriminating against an organ or tissue donor. It would also ensure that an eligible employee is given family and medical leave for preparation and recovery necessary for a donation operation.
In addition, the proposal would require the Ministry of Health to develop educational materials on living donors and the benefits of living organ and tissue donation.
“If this law goes into effect, we expect it will encourage more people in the Commonwealth to give the incredible gift of organ donation and save more lives,” added Toohil.
A similar Toohil-sponsored bill was passed in the House of Representatives during the 2019-20 legislative session, but not put to the vote in the Senate.
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