Hastings supports organ donation leave for working people

SPRINGFIELD — State Senator Michael E. Hastings supported a measure through the Illinois Senate to ensure taking time off work to donate an organ doesn’t put workers’ livelihoods at risk.

“Donating an organ is a beautiful and selfless act,” said Hastings (D-Frankfort). “Workers need to be treated with respect, not punished, for becoming an organ donor.”

The bill allows eligible part-time workers to take up to 10 days of leave in a 12-month period to serve as organ donors. For part-time employees receiving compensation for their donation, employers must pay them based on their average daily pay over the previous two months of employment.

Currently, part-time workers often do not receive the same workplace protections as full-time employees. Belt’s legislation ensures that all eligible workers, no matter how many hours a week they work, can take time to donate an organ without risking their job or financial stability.

“Whether you are a full-time or part-time worker, this is a right you deserve,” said Hastings. “In Illinois, someone should never have to choose between losing their job and saving a life.”

House Bill 1616 passed the Illinois Senate on Thursday.