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HB 2963

Designates January as "Blood Donor Awareness Month"

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Emily Weber

January is designated as Blood Donor Awareness Month in Missouri to promote public awareness of blood donation and treat blood products as a critical public health resource.

Referred: Emerging Issues(H)
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Bill Summary · HB 2963

Overview

HB 2963 designates January as "Blood Donor Awareness Month" in Missouri. The bill adds a new section to Chapter 9 of the Revised Statutes of Missouri (RSMo) establishing the observance and encouraging activities to raise awareness about blood donation. It also frames blood and blood products as a critical public health resource.

Main purpose and intent

  • Official designation: The month of January is proclaimed as "Blood Donor Awareness Month."
  • Public health goal: Encourage public awareness of the importance of blood donation and the role of blood products in health care.
  • Resource framing: States that blood and blood products are a critical resource and vital public health asset that must be readily available at all times.

Key provisions and changes

  • New statutory section: Adds Section 9.025 to Chapter 9, RSMo.
  • Observance guidance: Recommends that residents observe January through activities that increase awareness of blood donation.
  • Resource statement: Explicitly designates blood and blood products as critical resources and vital public health assets.

Who/what is affected

  • State designation and public messaging: The proclamation primarily affects state communications, public health messaging, and any state-facing initiatives tied to blood donation awareness.
  • General public: Encourages civic organizations, healthcare providers, donors, and the general public in Missouri to participate in awareness activities during January.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Legislative path: HB 2963 was introduced in the 2026 session, referred to Emerging Issues (H) on May 15, 2026.
  • Initial readings: Introduced January 13, 2026; second reading January 14, 2026.
  • Sponsor: Primary sponsor is Representative Weber, with a co-sponsor listed as Emily Weber.
  • Effective date: The bill’s text designates January as Blood Donor Awareness Month upon enactment; specific effective date language is not stated beyond designation in the bill’s text.

Additional notes

  • The bill mirrors a similar measure, SB 1325 (2026), indicating cross-chamber alignment on the concept.
  • The language emphasizes non-controversial public health advocacy rather than creating new programs or funding, focusing on designation and observance.

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

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