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SB 206

Education: curriculum; instruction in organ and tissue donation; require. Amends 1976 PA 451 (MCL 380.1 - 380.1852) by adding sec. 1170c.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Joe Bellino

Encourages Michigan schools to offer a one-class-period model lesson on organ, eye, and tissue donation and Michigan organ donor registry by 2026–27, with opt-out for students.

REFERRED TO COMMITTEE ON EDUCATION
#education:curriculum #health:anatomicalgifts
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Bill Summary · SB 206

SB 206 — Education: curriculum; instruction in organ and tissue donation; require (Adds MCL 380.1170c)

Status: Referred to Committee on Education
Introduced: January 23, 2025 (Sen. Joseph Bellino)
Statute amended: The Revised School Code, 1976 PA 451 (adds section 1170c)

Main purpose

To make a model classroom presentation on organ, eye, and tissue donation and transplantation available to Michigan public schools and to encourage school boards to present that material to students before completion of grade 9. The intent is to increase awareness about donation and to include information about the Michigan organ donor registry.

Key provisions

  • Department role (development/adoption):

    • By no later than January 1, 2026, the Michigan Department of Education may (in consultation with third parties, including the state's federally designated organ procurement organization) develop or adopt and post a model presentation on organ, eye, and tissue donation and transplantation.
    • The department “may” develop or adopt the model — the language does not impose a mandatory duty but permits the department to provide materials.

  • Presentation content and length:

    • The model presentation must not exceed one class period.
    • It must include information about the Michigan organ donor registry.

  • School-level implementation:

    • Beginning in the 2026–2027 school year, local school district boards, intermediate school district boards, and public school academy boards are encouraged to provide the model presentation to students before they complete grade 9.
    • The bill uses permissive/encouraging language rather than a mandate; it does not require districts to deliver the presentation.

  • Parental opt‑out:

    • A student must be excused, without penalty, from attending the presentation upon written request from the student’s parent or legal guardian.

  • Consultation:

    • The department is to consult with third parties when developing/adopting the model materials; the bill explicitly references consultation with the federally designated organ procurement organization.

Who is affected

  • Michigan Department of Education (may prepare/adopt materials).
  • Local school boards, intermediate school districts, and public school academies (encouraged to offer the presentation).
  • Students (targeted for presentation before end of grade 9).
  • Parents/guardians (given an opt‑out right).
  • Organ procurement organizations and other third‑party stakeholders (consulted in materials development).

Procedural / timeline notes

  • Introduced Jan 23, 2025; currently referred to the Senate Committee on Education.
  • Materials development/adoption target date: by Jan 1, 2026.
  • Earliest recommended classroom use: 2026–2027 school year.
  • Participation is voluntary for school districts (encouraged, not required); parents may excuse students in writing.

Potential impacts and considerations

  • Education/awareness: Brief (one-period) instruction could raise student awareness about donation and the state donor registry.
  • Administrative burden: Minimal — a single class period and department-provided model materials reduce local development needs.
  • Parental concerns: Explicit opt‑out protects parental choice; districts will need an opt‑out procedure.
  • Outcomes: Could modestly increase registrations or informed family discussions, though the bill does not allocate funding or require data collection.

If you’d like, I can:
- Draft a sample one-period lesson outline that meets the bill’s requirements.
- Summarize likely implementation steps for a school district (notification, opt-out handling, scheduling).

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

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