Thomas Hall | The Ohio House of Representatives
Thomas Hall | The Ohio House of Representatives
State Representatives Thomas Hall and Brian Lampton have announced the passage of House Bill 122 by the Ohio House of Representatives. The bill aims to reduce barriers for living organ donors and address Ohio’s growing transplant waitlist crisis.
The legislation seeks to create incentives for employers to support employees who become living organ donors. It introduces a state income tax credit for employers providing paid leave to employees recovering from a living organ donation, easing financial and personal burdens on donors and encouraging more Ohioans to consider this lifesaving act.
“House Bill 122 is about saving lives and supporting the heroes among us who choose to give the ultimate gift,” said Hall. He emphasized that reducing financial and employment-related barriers will increase the number of organs available for transplant, improving outcomes for patients across Ohio.
According to the Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network, over 100,000 people nationwide are waiting for lifesaving organ transplants, including nearly 3,000 in Ohio. Of these, over 1,900 require kidney transplants but face a shortage of available kidneys.
“This legislation takes a meaningful step toward removing barriers to living organ donation in Ohio by providing employers with a fiscally responsible incentive,” said Lampton. He highlighted that this move could save lives and offer hope to thousands on the transplant waiting list.
Key provisions of HB 122 include:
- A tax credit for “qualifying employers” offering paid leave for medically necessary recovery following an employee’s living organ donation.
- A credit equal to actual leave compensation or $300 per day, up to 30 days with a maximum of $9,000 per employee per donation.
- Employers can claim up to $54,000 in credit-eligible donation leave benefits annually.
- Covered donations include all or part of a kidney, liver, pancreas, intestine, lung, or bone marrow under the National Organ Transplant Act.
- An annual report by the Ohio Tax Commissioner will be provided to ensure legislative oversight and transparency.
The bill now moves forward to the Ohio Senate for further consideration.
Alerts Sign-up