HOUSE BILL REPORT
SB 6567
This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a statement of legislative intent. |
As Passed House:
March 6, 2020
Title: An act relating to recognizing the eighteenth day of December as blood donor day.
Brief Description: Recognizing the eighteenth day of December as blood donor day.
Sponsors: Senators Frockt, Conway, Short, Pedersen, Cleveland, Kuderer, Randall, Hunt, Saldaña, Takko, Wellman and Wilson, C.
Brief History:
Committee Activity:
State Government & Tribal Relations: 2/20/20, 2/21/20 [DP].
Floor Activity:
Passed House: 3/6/20, 97-0.
Brief Summary of Bill |
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HOUSE COMMITTEE ON STATE GOVERNMENT & TRIBAL RELATIONS |
Majority Report: Do pass. Signed by 9 members: Representatives Gregerson, Chair; Pellicciotti, Vice Chair; Walsh, Ranking Minority Member; Goehner, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Appleton, Dolan, Hudgins, Mosbrucker and Smith.
Staff: Jason Zolle (786-7124).
Background:
In addition to legal holidays, the Legislature has statutorily recognized a number of days to commemorate individuals or groups. These recognized days include Washington State Children's Day, Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day, Juneteenth, and Human Trafficking Awareness Day.
The American Red Cross has recognized January as National Blood Donor Month since 1970. World Blood Donor Day is celebrated on June 14.
On December 18, 2017, a passenger train derailed near Olympia and landed on Interstate 5, killing three passengers and injuring 65 others. After the accident, local blood centers asked the public for blood donations to help the crash victims.
Summary of Bill:
December 18 is recognized as Blood Donor Day, but is not considered a legal holiday for any purpose.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Not requested.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony:
(In support) Blood donors save and extend lives. It requires significant time for people to go out in the community and work to get others to donate blood. There has been a decade-long trend of decreasing numbers of blood donors. While 38 percent of the adult population is eligible to donate, only 3 percent are donating. Especially in June and December, when the demand for blood is greatest, there must be an increase in donors. This bill will allow blood donation centers across the state to raise awareness of the importance of donating blood.
(Opposed) None.
Persons Testifying: Kendra Hogenson; Page Carter; and Juan Cotto, Bloodworks Northwest.
Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying: None.