BILL ANALYSIS

C.S.H.B. 2788

By: Laubenberg

Public Health

Committee Report (Substituted)

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Currently, a person who is 17 years of age may consent to the donation of the person's blood. In recent years the American Red Cross board of governors recognized 16 year olds as an eligible blood donor group and, according to the Red Cross, approximately 30 states now allow 16 year olds to donate blood. C.S.H.B. 2788 seeks to increase blood donations and help foster civic awareness among Texas teens by allowing a person who is 16 years old to donate blood with written parental consent. 

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, department, agency, or institution.

ANALYSIS

C.S.H.B. 2788 amends the Health and Safety Code to authorize a person who is at least 16 years of age but younger than 17 years of age to donate the person's blood or blood components if a parent, managing conservator, or guardian of the person consents in writing to the donation. The bill specifies that a person who is at least 17 years of age is authorized to consent to the donation of the person's blood or blood components.

EFFECTIVE DATE

September 1, 2011.

COMPARISON OF ORIGINAL AND SUBSTITUTE

C.S.H.B. 2788 differs from the original, in the provision authorizing a person who is at least 16 years of age but younger than 17 years of age to donate blood or blood components with the consent of the person's parent, managing conservator, or guardian, by specifying that the consent be made in writing, whereas the original does not specify the method of consent.