Bill
SB 5641
Washington public schools may offer age-appropriate instruction on bone marrow and blood donation to increase understanding, eligibility, and participation in donation programs.
Date and status
- Introduced: February 3, 2025
- Enacted: Signed into law; Chapter 149, 2025 Laws
- Effective date: 7/27/2025 (90 days after adjournment of the 2025 regular session)
Purpose and intent
- SB 5641 encourages Washington public school districts, including charter schools and state-tribal education compact schools, to provide instruction in awareness of bone marrow and blood donation.
- The bill aims to strengthen students’ understanding of donation, the life-saving impact of donations, eligibility, and how to participate in donation programs, thereby supporting a reliable and diverse blood supply.
Key provisions
- Applicability and inclusion:
- For grades 9–12: School districts, charter schools, and state-tribal education compact schools are encouraged to offer instruction in awareness of bone marrow and blood donation.
- For grades K–8: The instruction may be offered and adapted to be age-appropriate.
- Beginning in the 2025-26 school year, the instruction may be included in at least one health class necessary for graduation.
- Providers and delivery:
- Instruction may be provided by recognized organizations focused on bone marrow or blood donation, including the National Marrow Donor Program, American Red Cross, America's Blood Centers, Bloodworks Northwest, or other relevant nationally recognized organizations.
- The Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) must post a link to the instructional programs on its website.
- Instruction does not have to be delivered by certificated teachers; it may be offered by community-based providers.
- Content scope:
- Instruction covers awareness of both bone marrow donation and blood donation.
- The bill emphasizes inclusion of programs that explain donation processes, eligibility, and opportunities to participate.
- Funding and fiscal notes:
- No new state appropriation is provided in the bill.
- Fiscal notes are available, but the bill itself does not authorize additional funding.
- Relationship to existing requirements:
- Builds on prior guidance related to bone marrow donation education; positions blood donation education alongside bone marrow awareness within the same statutory framework.
Who is affected
- Students in Washington public schools (K–12, with emphasis on 9–12 for the donation-specific instruction; possible adaptation for younger grades).
- School districts, charter schools, and state-tribal education compact schools (as the implementing bodies).
- OSPI (responsible for hosting links to instructional programs).
- National donor organizations and community-based providers that deliver the educational programs.
Implementation timeline and process
- Starting with the 2025-26 school year, eligible schools may include the instruction in at least one health class required for graduation.
- The OSPI website must link to approved instructional programs.
- The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session (fulfilled with the 2025 legislative enactment and signature).
Legislative history highlights
- Passed both chambers in early-to-mid 2025; Governor signed on 4/22/2025.
- Final effective date established as 7/27/2025.
- The bill amends RCW 28A.210.430 to formalize instruction in bone marrow and blood donation and to specify eligible providers and delivery methods.
Notes for readers
- The bill mirrors the framework used for bone marrow donation instruction, expanding it to include blood donation.
- No state funding is appropriated by SB 5641; districts may choose to implement using existing resources or partnerships with nonprofit organizations.
Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.
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