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Committee backs permissive organ‑donor opt‑in for hunting and fishing license renewals
Summary
A committee bill would authorize and encourage the Game and Fish Commission to permit hunters and fishermen to opt into a Universal Organ Donor Program when buying or renewing licenses online; sponsor cited Minnesota data suggesting higher donor registration when opt‑in at renewal is available.
A presenter brought House Bill 18‑29 to the Senate Agriculture committee to authorize and encourage the State Game and Fish Commission to allow hunters and anglers to opt into a Universal Organ Donor Program when they buy or renew hunting and fishing licenses online. The presenter said the bill is permissive—intended to respect the commission's statutory independence while providing a legal framework under the Arkansas Anatomical Gift Act if the commission chooses to implement the program.
The presenter said the idea originated with a high‑school student who cited a Minnesota example: "they saw at least, within the first 5 years, they had a doubling in the number of people" who registered as organ donors when the option was available at license renewal. Senator Johnson asked clarifying questions about the permissive nature of the bill and its purpose; the presenter confirmed it was intended to encourage organ‑donor registration while respecting commission authority.
After brief questioning and no registered public testimony, the committee moved and passed HB 18‑29 by voice vote.
