TX
Texas House Bill HB2991

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Texas House Bill HB2991

Voted on by House
 
Out of Senate Committee
 
Voted on by Senate
 
Governor Action
 
Bill Becomes Law
 

Caption

Relating to the donation of blood by persons younger than 18 years of age; authorizing a civil penalty.

Impact

If enacted, HB2991 will amend the Health and Safety Code to include provisions that restrict the donation frequency and conditions for minors. Notably, individuals under 18 will be limited to one donation within 24 hours and a maximum of two donations within a calendar year. It also prohibits minors from receiving any compensation for their donations and mandates that the blood donated by them cannot be sold for profit or exported out of the country. This move is intended to sustain the integrity of blood donation practices and protect the wellbeing of minor donors.

Summary

House Bill 2991 seeks to regulate blood donation by individuals under 18 years of age in Texas. The bill specifically permits 17-year-olds to donate blood provided they have written consent from a parent or legal guardian. This consent must include information on the risks and health effects associated with blood donation for minors. The bill aims to establish guidelines to ensure that young donors are adequately informed and safeguarded during the donation process, thereby aligning state laws with current practices surrounding blood donation and minor consent.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB2991 appears to be generally supportive among health advocates and lawmakers who emphasize the importance of safeguarding minor donors while promoting blood donation efforts. However, some concerns have been expressed regarding the feasibility and implications of requiring parental consent for blood donation, particularly about its potential impact on donation rates from this age group. Overall, the bill seems to resonate positively with those prioritizing health and safety in blood donation processes.

Contention

Contention surrounding HB2991 primarily revolves around the parental consent requirement and its potential influence on the willingness of 17-year-olds to donate blood. Opponents of such measures argue that it may inadvertently discourage donations due to the burden of seeking consent, especially in emergency situations where timely donations are critical. Nevertheless, supporters argue that implementing these consent requirements is crucial for ensuring that minors are fully informed about the risks involved in blood donation, emphasizing the bill’s focus on protection over limitation.

Texas Constitutional Statutes Affected

Health And Safety Code

  • Chapter 162. Blood Banks And Donation Of Blood
    • Section: New Section
    • Section: New Section

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

TX SB12

Relating to the authority to regulate sexually oriented performances and to restricting those performances on the premises of a commercial enterprise, on public property, or in the presence of an individual younger than 18 years of age; authorizing a civil penalty; creating a criminal offense.

TX HB1012

Relating to the prohibition of certain discrimination; authorizing civil penalties.

TX SB110

Relating to the prohibition of certain discrimination; authorizing civil penalties.

TX HB3468

Relating to a patient's access to health records; authorizing a civil penalty; authorizing fees.

TX SB704

Relating to the capture and use of an individual's biometric identifiers, specimen, or genetic information by a governmental body or peace officer or by a person for commercial purposes; authorizing civil penalties.

TX HB4

Relating to the regulation of the collection, use, processing, and treatment of consumers' personal data by certain business entities; imposing a civil penalty.

TX HB1844

Relating to the regulation of the collection, use, processing, and treatment of consumers' personal data by certain business entities; imposing a civil penalty.

TX SB928

Relating to the protection of personally identifiable student information and the use of covered information by an operator or educational entity; authorizing a civil and administrative penalty.

TX HB4917

Relating to the regulation of third-party data collection entities; providing a civil penalty and authorizing a fee.

TX HB704

Relating to the eligibility of certain persons younger than 18 years of age to preregister to vote.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.