Senator Lynda Schlegel Culver and Senator Lindsey Williams will hold a press conference on April 20 at noon in the East Wing Rotunda of the Capitol to discuss Senate Bill 124, a bipartisan measure they are co-prime sponsoring to support living organ donors. The event will also include advocates who support the legislation.
The bill proposes allowing living organ donors to deduct up to $10,000 in unreimbursed expenses related to their donation. These expenses can include travel, lodging, lost wages, and medical costs. The deduction would be limited to one use per lifetime and cannot reduce taxable income below zero.
“Living organ donors make an extraordinary decision to help save another person’s life, and they should not be left to shoulder unavoidable costs for doing so,” Culver said. “Senate Bill 124 is a practical way to reduce a barrier we know exists and to support Pennsylvanians who step forward in an act of incredible generosity.”
Williams said, “We’ve heard from advocates, donors, and recipients about the incredible sacrifices that living donors make to help save a life. Their stories are why we’re working to eliminate existing barriers and encourage more people to become living donors through legislation like Senate Bill 124.”
Current Pennsylvania law offers a tax credit for employers who provide paid leave for employees donating organs or bone marrow; however, this new bill aims specifically at covering costs faced by the donors themselves.
The press conference will be streamed live on Senator Culver’s Facebook page with video available later on her website.
