New Law in Illinois to Fight Discrimination Against Organ Donors

On August 2, 2019, Governor J.B. Pritzker signed a law intended to prevent discrimination against living organ donors.  The law was written to apply to employers and insurance companies. 

The Living Donor Protection Act amends the Illinois Organ Donor Leave Act, to add a section that prohibits employers from retaliating against employees who request to take leave of absence related to organ donation.

The Living Donor Protection Act also amends the Illinois Insurance Code to make it unlawful to refuse to insure or limit coverage for life, disability, or long-term care insurance, or to charge a different rate for the same coverage, solely because the insured is a living organ donor.

Rep. Deb Conroy (D-Villa Park) was a sponsor of this new bill.  According to a press release from her office, Rep. Conroy stated:  “I know first-hand that when someone decides to be a living donor, they aren’t just saving one life, they’re saving the lives of everyone who loves the person receiving the organ donation.  Now that HB 2847 is law, living donors won’t have to worry about whether they will be discriminated against in the workplace or whether their insurance premiums will go up.  They can rest easy knowing they are protected, and they can focus on their recovery and the recovery of their loved ones.  With thousands of people waiting on organ donations in Illinois, this bill makes it easier for people to make the decision ot be a living organ donor.”

The law takes effect January 1, 2020.