Licking Today

The Ohio House of Representatives has passed House Bill 256, a new legislation that will require the Ohio Department of Natural Resources to inquire about organ donation when individuals register for a hunting or fishing license. The bill, joint sponsored by State Reps. Kevin Miller and Rodney Creech, aims to address the demand for life-saving organ transplants in Ohio.

With over 2,700 registered individuals waiting for organ transplants in Ohio, the legislation seeks to increase the number of potential organ donors by linking the registration process to hunting and fishing license applications. The Buckeye State alone sees more than 300,000 annual applicants for hunting licenses and 850,000 annual applicants for fishing licenses. By incorporating organ donation into these applications, a significant portion of the state's population will be presented with the opportunity to become organ donors, potentially saving lives.

State Rep. Kevin Miller highlighted the urgency of the situation, stating, "Seventeen people in the U.S. lose their lives each day while waiting for an organ transplant." He emphasized that the legislation provides Ohioans with another opportunity to choose to be an organ donor while applying for their hunting or fishing license.

State Rep. Rodney Creech echoed Miller's sentiments, emphasizing the potential impact of the legislation. "This approach will ensure a big portion of our state's population is presented with the opportunity to become organ donors, ultimately saving lives," Creech said.

The passing of House Bill 256 is a crucial step towards addressing the organ transplant waitlist in Ohio. The legislation will now move to the Ohio Senate for further consideration. If approved, it will play a significant role in increasing the number of potential organ donors in the state and potentially saving countless lives in the process.

To learn more, click on this link: https://ohiohouse.gov/members/kevin-d-miller/news/ohio-house-passes-legislation-to-link-organ-donor-registration-to-hunting-and-fishing-license-applications-117617