Villa Measure Expanding Protections for Living Donors Takes Effect

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – A new law passed by state Rep. Karina Villa, D-West Chicago, to guarantee living donor employment and health care rights recently took effect.

“Living donors quite literally save lives and give an extremely generous gift to those awaiting lifesaving organ transplants,” said Villa. “For many patients, finding a living donor is their only chance at survival. Our state will now be a leader, encouraging residents to become living donors by ensuring they are protected when they need to take time off of work and need additional medical care.”

Villa’s House Bill 2847, which was signed by Gov. JB Pritzker and took effect on Jan. 1, 2020, implements protections to safeguard employees from retaliation if they request time off to donate an organ or blood. Additionally, Villa’s measure will prohibit health insurance companies from raising premiums due to an individual’s status as a living donor.

“This new law will ensure that the selfless individuals that want to become living donors do not have to choose between saving a life and keeping their job,” continued Villa. “The need for living donors is critical, as every 10 minutes another person is added to the waiting list for an organ donation. I am hopeful that this measure will help save more lives.”

For more information, please contact Rep. Villa’s constituent service office at 630-326-9319 or at StateRepKarinaVilla@gmail.com.