Sen. Alberta Darling (R-River Hills)
More than 2,000 Wisconsin residents are currently on a waiting list to receive a donated organ, and a state lawmaker is hoping to make it easier for residents to help reduce that number.
Legislation from state Sen. Alberta Darling (R-River Hills) would require businesses with more than 50 employees to provide up to six weeks of unpaid leave to workers who choose to donate an organ. The River Hills Republican says the measure would allow those who want to donate to a friend, family member, or even a complete stranger to take the time needed to recover, without having to worry about losing their job.
The bill was inspired by Darling’s own experience. Her husband, Bill Darling, died while on the waiting list for an organ donation after going into renal failure. “I saw how agonizing the wait is,” she said.
The legislation has been referred to committees and could receive a public hearing later this year.