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HB 5222

AN ACT CONCERNING THE ISSUANCE OF "DONATE LIFE" NUMBER PLATES.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Jill Barry and 10 co-sponsors

Connecticut bill authorizes "Donate Life" specialty license plates to promote organ donation awareness and generate state revenue through voluntary vehicle plate purchases.

REF. TO JOINT COMM. ON Transportation
#anatomicalgifts(organandtissuedonors) #motorvehiclelicenseplates
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Bill Summary · HB 5222

Legislative bill overview

HB 5222 authorizes Connecticut to issue special "Donate Life" number plates to vehicle owners who wish to publicly support organ and tissue donation. The bill creates a voluntary vanity plate program that allows residents to display their commitment to donation on their vehicles while potentially generating revenue through plate fees.

Why is this important

Organ donation in the United States faces persistent supply shortages, with thousands dying annually while waiting for transplants. Visibility initiatives like branded license plates can increase awareness and encourage donation registration, potentially expanding the donor pool. The program also generates revenue for the state, which is typically allocated to donation-related programs or general transportation funds.

Potential points of contention

  • Cost-benefit clarity: The bill's fiscal impact and how revenue would be allocated are not detailed in this summary; some may question whether administrative costs justify limited awareness gains
  • Religious and personal objections: Some constituents oppose organ donation promotion on principle, viewing it as state encouragement of a personal medical decision
  • Market saturation: Critics may argue vanity plate programs have declining participation rates and question whether a donation-themed plate will achieve sufficient uptake to meaningfully impact donor registration

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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