Provides for paid leave for a state employee who donates an organ. The duration of the leave is dependent on the type of donation and notice should be provided to the employer at least thirty (30) days prior to the leave.
This bill is designed to support public officers and employees by integrating organ donation into their employment benefits, promoting community health initiatives while alleviating the financial burden on those wishing to donate. By allowing paid leave for organ donation, the state intends to encourage more individuals to participate in life-saving procedures, thereby potentially increasing the number of available transplants. Furthermore, the leave does not require employees to exhaust their sick or annual leave prior to taking organ-donation leave, ensuring that employees can still maintain their ordinary benefits during and after the donation process.
H8009, known as the Organ-Donation Leave Act, establishes a paid leave provision for state employees who donate organs, specifically targeting kidney, liver segment, or bone marrow donations. To qualify for the leave, an employee must have completed a probationary period and worked at least 1,250 hours in the preceding year. The bill allows employees to take leave once within a twelve-month period, with the duration of leave depending on the type of donation: up to sixty days for kidney or liver segment donations, and thirty days for bone marrow donations. Importantly, employees must provide at least thirty days' notice to their employer prior to taking leave.
While the bill may have broad support for its humane intentions, it could face debate regarding the implications of paid leave on staffing and budget within state agencies. Some legislators may question the financial feasibility of implementing paid leave for organ donation, considering existing services and other leave policies. Additionally, concerns could arise about whether this type of leave sets a precedent for future paid leave measures for other health-related conditions. Thus, while the intent of H8009 is clear in promoting donor participation, the execution and financial impact remain points of contention that require careful consideration.