Bill Linking Organ Donor Registration to Hunting and Fishing License Applications Signed into Law

COLUMBUS – Ohio Governor Mike DeWine today signed House Bill 256 into Ohio law, announced State Representatives Kevin Miller (R-Newark) and Rodney Creech (R-West Alexandria). This bill requires the Ohio Department of Natural Resources to inquire about organ donation when someone registers for a hunting or fishing license. 

The legislation aims to help meet the demand in Ohio for life-saving organ transplants by linking the process of registering as an organ donor to hunting and fishing license applications. Ohio has over 2,700 registered individuals waiting for an organ transplant procedure.

“This critical legislation expands opportunities for Ohioans to choose to be an organ donor,” said Miller. “I am confident this bill will save lives.” 

The Buckeye State alone has over 300,000 annual applicants for hunting licenses and 850,000 annual applicants for fishing licenses.

The legislation will take effect in 90 days.