Proposed Hawaii Legislation Would Establish Tax Credits to Encourage Blood Donation

In response to current blood supply pressures, an elected official in Hawaii introduced a pair of bills to encourage blood donation. State representative Ryan Yamane introduced a bill (HB 1556) on Jan. 20 that would establish a tax credit for individuals who donate blood, platelets or plasma four or more times in a calendar year. Yamane also introduced an additional bill (HB 1557) that would award tax credits per donation to employers who host blood drives.

Other states have considered or enacted similar legislation. In Oklahoma, legislation establishing income tax credits for employers that host a blood drive by an Oklahoma nonprofit blood donation organization took effect on Nov. 1, 2021. Legislators in California are also considering a $500 next tax credit for individuals who donate blood at least four times per calendar year.