Michigan House Bill HB4363

Michigan 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 6/27/23
• Refer: 4/11/23
• Report Pass: 5/4/23
• Engrossed: 5/11/23
• Refer: 5/16/23
• Report Pass: 6/14/23
• Refer: 6/14/23
• Report Pass: 6/20/23
• Enrolled: 6/27/23
• Chaptered: 7/19/23
• Passed: 7/19/23

Caption

Health: anatomical gifts; inclusion on the donor registry of an individual who elects to be a donor on an income tax schedule; allow. Amends secs. 10105 & 10120 of 1978 PA 368 (MCL 333.10105 & 333.10120). TIE BAR WITH: HB 4362'23, HB 4364'23

Impact

If enacted, HB 4363 will have lasting implications for state laws regarding organ donation and public health practices. The bill seeks to enhance the management of donor registration by authorizing the Secretary of State to maintain an electronic donor registry, accessible 24/7 to organ procurement organizations. The integration of anatomical gift declarations into tax forms is anticipated to simplify the registration process, thereby potentially increasing the rate of organ donations and addressing the growing demand for transplantable organs.

Summary

House Bill 4363 aims to amend the existing laws concerning anatomical gifts in the state of Michigan by facilitating a donor registry that allows individuals to register as anatomical donors through their state income tax returns. The bill stipulates that individuals can signify their intent to donate organs or tissues on their tax documents, thus streamlining the process of establishing a donor registry and facilitating access to this registry by organ procurement organizations. This legislative change is designed to promote organ donation and increase the number of individuals registered as donors in the state.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB 4363 is largely favorable among healthcare advocates and organizations that promote organ donation. Supporters view this measure as a significant step towards improving public health and saving lives through increased organ donations. However, there may also be concerns from privacy advocates regarding the handling of personal information within donor registries, emphasizing the need for stringent protections around sensitive data.

Contention

Notable points of contention could arise regarding the implementation of the donor registry system and the privacy of individuals' information. While the bill enhances the accessibility of donor registration, some stakeholders may question the necessity of sharing tax return data with organ procurement organizations. Ensuring that personally identifiable information is protected and shared only in accordance with the consent of the donors will be paramount to address these concerns.