LANSING, Mich., July 21, 2023 — State Rep. Felicia Brabec (D-Pittsfield) spearheaded efforts for the passage of the “Check Your Heart” bill package to help grow Michigan’s organ donor registry. Both chambers, the House and Senate, passed these bills and they were signed into law by the governor this week. The three bills, House Bills 4362–64, aim to enhance and promote organ donor registration through new mechanisms.
“The passage of these bills is ground-breaking. We’re the first state to put organ donation on our income tax forms — we are setting a new standard to help save lives. We are now providing multiple opportunities for Michiganders to become donors — making it easier and more convenient to elect to register,” Brabec said. “I am elated that these bills have been signed by Gov. Whitmer, and I am proud of the work that’s been done at the Capitol. It is history in the making — let’s continue to change lives here in Michigan.”
The COVID-19 pandemic negatively impacted organ donation rates and made it more difficult to find donors whose organs are eligible for successful transplantation. Anyone can choose to become a donor regardless of their age, health or social history. Advances in medicine continue to allow more people to donate lifesaving organs, even those with diabetes, cancer or other serious illnesses. When an underage individual does register to become a donor, their parent or guardian makes the final decision.
“We’re grateful for the support of Reps. Brabec, Neeley and Price for spearheading this important legislation,” said Dorrie Dils, president and CEO of Gift of Life Michigan. “We also want to thank all those who voted for the bills in the House and Senate. Providing one more way for residents to add their names to the Michigan Organ Donor Registry gives hope to those waiting and their families.”
Gift of Life Michigan is a nonprofit, full-service organ recovery organization that acts as the intermediary between donors, physicians and hospital staff. It provides all services necessary for organ and tissue donation and transplantation.