COLUMBUS – The House Ways and Means Committee commenced hearings yesterday on House Bill 399, an initiative aimed at eliminating hurdles to living organ donation in Ohio, announced State Rep. Brian Lampton (R-Beavercreek), the bill’s sponsor.
The proposed legislation seeks to extend financial support to living organ donors by broadening the existing income tax deduction for such individuals. Additionally, it intends to introduce a new income tax credit for employers who grant paid leave to employees undergoing organ donation procedures.
During the sponsor testimony, Lampton emphasized the potential significance of the bill in providing substantial financial assistance to living organ donors. He also underscored the importance of incentivizing employers to offer paid leave to employees opting for organ donation. Lampton remarked, “Nearly 2,000 Ohioans are awaiting life-saving kidney transplants, and we believe that House Bill 399 can help reduce that number.”
According to data from the Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network, close to 3,000 Ohio residents are currently on the waiting list for a critical organ transplant.
House Bill 399 now awaits further deliberation by the House Ways and Means Committee as it progresses through the legislative process.
