Detroit City Wire

Senator Joseph Bellino has introduced a new legislative proposal aimed at supporting living organ donors in Michigan. The proposed Senate Bill 301 seeks to provide a tax credit for employers who offer fully paid leave to employees recovering from organ donation procedures.

"One of the greatest deterrents to living organ donation is the fear of income loss during recovery. This legislation would eliminate that financial stress and ensure no Michigan resident is forced to choose between saving a life and keeping their job or paycheck," said Bellino, R-Monroe. "This compassionate and responsible tax reform would balance protecting job providers with creating a safer path for living organ donors and a brighter future for those waiting for a life-saving transplant."

Under the bill, workers who donate an organ would be entitled to up to 12 weeks of fully paid leave. Employers providing this benefit would receive a state income tax credit equal to 100% of the wages paid during the donor's leave period. Eligibility for this credit requires physician verification of the organ donation, and the paid leave must be additional to any existing benefits.

As of early May, over two thousand Michiganders are awaiting kidney transplants, with another 149 in need of liver transplants. In recent years, Michigan has averaged 151 living organ donations annually.