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, which aims to support living organ donors. The event will include advocates joining both senators.
The topic is significant as Senate Bill 124 proposes a new tax deduction for living organ donors, allowing them to deduct up to $10,000 in unreimbursed expenses such as travel, lodging, lost wages, and medical costs related to donation. This deduction would be available only once 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.”
Currently, Pennsylvania law provides a tax credit for employers who offer paid leave for employees donating organs or bone marrow; however, this bill addresses financial burdens faced directly by the donors themselves.
The press conference will be streamed live on Senator Culver’s Facebook page with recordings available later on her website homepage.
