Virginia Senate Bill SB244

Virginia 2022 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/10/22
• Refer: 1/10/22

Caption

Organ donors; unpaid leave, civil penalty.

Impact

This legislation amends the Code of Virginia to enhance workplace protections for employees who wish to donate organs. By formalizing the right to organ donation leave, the bill promotes a culture of altruism and health awareness among the workforce, encouraging employees to consider becoming donors without the fear of jeopardizing their employment or income. It stipulates that employers must also maintain the employee's health benefits during this leave, akin to other protections provided under the federal Family and Medical Leave Act.

Summary

SB244 introduces provisions for unpaid leave for organ donation, mandating that eligible employees be allowed to take time off work to serve as organ or bone marrow donors. The bill outlines the definitions of eligible employees and employers and specifies the duration of the leave, which includes up to 60 business days for organ donors and 30 days for bone marrow donors. Eligible employees must provide written verification from a physician for the need to donate, ensuring that the leave is medically necessary.

Contention

However, potential points of contention surrounding SB244 may include the implications for employers, particularly smaller businesses, regarding the provision of unpaid leave without the assurance of job security. There are concerns about how this might affect business operations and staffing, especially in industries that are already facing workforce challenges. Critics may argue that the imposition of additional leave regulations could create financial burdens on employers, which could also lead to indirect discrimination against employees who may not be able to afford to take unpaid leave.