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Lawmakers defer bill extending paid leave to living organ donors after debate over small-business impact
Summary
HB 338 would expand paid leave protections currently available for bone-marrow donors to living organ donors. The committee voluntarily deferred the bill after debate about the scope of mandatory paid leave — specifically whether private employers would be required to provide extended paid time off — and questions about fiscal assumptions in the
House Bill 338, introduced by Representative Hilferty, would extend leave protections currently provided to bone-marrow donors to living organ donors, authorizing paid employee leave for living organ donation and related protections.
The sponsor told the committee he was prompted to file the bill after learning of a constituent who donated a kidney. He said the Kidney Foundation estimated typical recovery times for kidney donors at a matter of weeks, not the months cited in the fiscal note, and that the bill's intent is to remove a barrier to living organ donation.
Several lawmakers raised concerns about the bill’s effect on private and small employers. Representatives said mandatory paid leave that required employers to keep positions open and pay workers for extended periods would impose a large cost on small businesses. One representative suggested dual referral to the House Labor and Industrial Relations Committee or adding small-business exemptions or tax credits to offset employer costs. After debate and motions to refer the bill, the committee agreed to voluntarily defer the measure so the sponsor could work on amendments and address employer concerns.
Next steps: Sponsor will work with colleagues and stakeholders on timeline, employer impact and possible exemptions; the committee deferred HB 338 for further work.
