The state House approved bills 4362, 4363, and 4364 that aim to increase the number of people who are organ donors.
The bills would add a question to annual state income tax forms. If you check "yes," you would be added to the organ donor registry.
Patrick Wells-O'Brien, the Vice President of Communications and External Relations for Gift of Life Michigan, said in-person recruitment noticeably dropped after pandemic-era lockdowns.
He said organ donor registration has been at an all-time low since 2008, and that 95% of Michigan's organ donors register at the Secretary of State.
"Currently, in the state of Michigan, 2,400 Michiganders are waiting for a life-saving organ," said Wells-O'Brien. "And for many of them, if there is no organ donor and no organ transplant, there's no other medical remedy for them."
Wells-O'Brien said just one donor can save multiple lives.
"Up to eight people, from one organ donor, can be saved. Plus, another 75 people through tissue donations," said Wells-O'Brien. "So that one 'yes,' that heart on your license, could have a tremendous impact for someone else and provide great comfort and solace to your family."
The bills next go to the state Senate for consideration.
