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HB 2991

Relating to the donation of blood by persons younger than 18 years of age; authorizing a civil penalty.

89th Legislature (2025) Introduced by Briscoe Cain and 6 co-sponsors

HB 2991 permits Texas minors under 18 to donate blood, establishing civil penalties for violations of donation rules and requirements.

Referred to Public Health
#health&humanservicescommission(v0177) #informedconsent(s0057) #minors--health&safety(i0533) #organ&tissuedonations(s0305)
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Bill Summary · HB 2991

Legislative bill overview

HB 2991 would modify Texas law to allow minors under 18 years old to donate blood, likely with parental consent provisions. The bill also establishes civil penalties, though the specific penalty amounts and violation triggers are not detailed in the available information.

Why is this important

Blood donation eligibility directly affects the blood supply available for medical emergencies and treatments. Expanding the donor pool to include qualified minors could increase blood availability, particularly important given chronic blood shortages in the U.S., while the penalty provision suggests enforcement mechanisms to ensure compliance with new rules.

Potential points of contention

  • Medical safety standards: Whether minors possess adequate physical maturity and health stability to safely donate blood without increased health risks, and what medical screening requirements would apply
  • Parental consent scope: Whether parental authorization alone is sufficient, or if minors should have independent decision-making authority, and how conflicts between parents and teens are resolved
  • Enforcement and penalties: Unclear what civil violations would trigger penalties—whether these target donors, blood centers, or medical facilities, and whether penalties are proportionate to violations

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

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