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WILKES-BARRE &mdash; State Rep. Tarah Toohil says legislation she has proposed would ensure that people who make the life-saving choice to become organ donors do not face economic roadblocks because of their decision.
				Toohil, R-Butler Twp., said the legislation that would protect living organ donors in Pennsylvania was unanimously approved by the House Insurance Committee on Tuesday.
				House Bill 203 now moves to the full House of Representatives for consideration.
				&ldquo;I am grateful to Chairman Tina Pickett and the other committee members for advancing the bill so soon in the new session,&rdquo; Toohil said. &ldquo;I am hopeful it will continue through the legislative process in a timely manner and be enacted into law.&rdquo;
				Toohil donated a kidney to her late mother in 2003 and has been a strong advocate for organ donation during her House tenure.
				House Bill 203 &mdash; or the Living Donor Protection Act &mdash; would prohibit a life or health insurance company from discriminating against an organ or tissue donor. It would also ensure family and medical leave be provided for an eligible employee for the preparation and recovery necessary for donation surgery.
				In addition, the proposal would require the Department of Health to develop informational materials relating to living donors and the benefits of live organ and tissue donation.
				&ldquo;Should this bill become law, we expect it will encourage more people in the Commonwealth to give the incredible gift of organ donation and save more lives,&rdquo; Toohil added.
				A similar bill sponsored by Toohil passed in the House during the 2019-20 Legislative Session, but was not brought up for a vote in the Senate.

Toohil’s bill to protect living organ donors advances