AN ACT relating to the promotion of organ and bone marrow donation.
Impact
If enacted, HB243 will likely encourage more individuals to consider organ and bone marrow donation, thereby potentially increasing the number of available donors. The tax credit aims to alleviate the financial burden on both employees and employers, fostering a supportive environment for organ donation. The bill also necessitates a reporting mechanism for the effectiveness of the credit, requiring the department to present data regarding its use and the resulting impact on donation rates to the legislative committee.
Summary
House Bill 243 aims to promote organ and bone marrow donation in Kentucky by introducing a tax credit for employers who provide paid leave to employees donating organs or bone marrow. The bill establishes a nonrefundable tax credit that employers can claim against certain taxes, which covers the employee's compensation during their leave of absence for donation. The initiative is driven by the recognition of the need for living donors and the intention to ensure that potential donors do not suffer financial repercussions while performing this lifesaving act.
Sentiment
The sentiment surrounding HB243 is generally favorable, as legislators and public health advocates recognize the importance of promoting organ and bone marrow donations. Supporters see the tax credit as a vital step towards addressing the critical shortage of donors, while also valuing the financial protection it offers to individuals who step forward to donate. However, there may be concerns regarding the long-term sustainability of the tax credit system and its effectiveness in significantly boosting donation rates.
Contention
Notable points of contention may arise regarding the adequacy of the tax incentives provided and how effectively they will lead to an increase in donations. Some critics may question whether tax credits alone are sufficient to motivate employers and employees to participate in organ donation actively. The fiscal implications for the state budget could also be discussed extensively, especially in terms of the potential long-term revenues lost due to the credits granted under this new law.
Mandates paid leave by allowing qualified employees to take medical leave to undergo donation procedures, medical tests, and recovery related to being a living organ donor, or bone marrow transplant donor.
AN ACT relating to authorizing the payment of certain claims against the state which have been duly audited and approved according to law and have not been paid because of the lapsing or insufficiency of former appropriations against which the claims were chargeable or the lack of an appropriate procurement document in place, making an appropriation therefor, and declaring an emergency.