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Bill

S 1129

Donate Life Month

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Margie Bright Matthews

Designates April 2026 as Donate Life Month to raise awareness and encourage more South Carolinians to register as organ, eye, and tissue donors.

Introduced and adopted
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Bill Summary · S 1129

Summary of Bill S.1129 (2025-2026) – South Carolina

Title

Donate Life Month

Purpose and Intent

  • Recognizes April 2026 as “Donate Life Month” in South Carolina.
  • Aims to raise awareness about organ, eye, and tissue donation and encourage more residents to become donors.

Key Provisions

  • A Senate Resolution designating April 2026 as Donate Life Month.
  • Highlights the impact of donation, including the lives saved and improved through organ and tissue donation.
  • Emphasizes the existing public support for donation and the role of the South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) in facilitating donor registrations.

Statistical and Impact Details Included

  • National and state need context:
    • More than 100,000 people nationwide await life-saving transplants; more than 1,500 of these individuals are in South Carolina.
    • In 2024, 300+ South Carolinians said “yes” to organ donation, saving about 700 lives; 400+ South Carolinians said “yes” to tissue donation, benefiting thousands and enabling over 1,000 sight-restoration procedures.
    • An average of 17 people die each day while awaiting an organ transplant; a new name is added to the national waiting list every 9 minutes.
  • Donor support and participation:
    • Over 90% of Americans support donation (per Donate Life America research).
    • In South Carolina, more than 64% of residents (over 2.5 million people) have indicated “yes” to organ/tissue donation when given the opportunity at the DMV.

Affected Parties

  • South Carolina residents who may become organ, eye, or tissue donors, particularly those registering with the DMV.
  • Families and recipients benefiting from donation.
  • Organizations involved in organ/tissue donation and transplantation awareness.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • This is a ceremonial/recognition measure (a Senate Resolution) rather than a law establishing new programmatic authority or funding.
  • Effective date: April 2026 designated as Donate Life Month in South Carolina.
  • Action history indicates introduction and adoption occurred on April 16, 2026.
  • Sponsored by the Senate with a co-sponsor: Margie Bright Matthews.

Practical Implications

  • No new statutory requirements or funding are proposed; the bill primarily serves to officially recognize Donate Life Month and promote awareness.
  • May encourage public education efforts, increased donor registrations, and a continued or enhanced focus on organ, eye, and tissue donation within state programs and campaigns.

Bottom Line

Bill S.1129 is a commemorative resolution designating April 2026 as Donate Life Month in South Carolina to honor donors, raise awareness, and encourage continued participation in organ, eye, and tissue donation. It relies on existing donor infrastructure and public education efforts to potentially increase registrations and lifesaving outcomes.

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

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