85R8801 KSM-D     By: Wu H.C.R. No. 57       CONCURRENT RESOLUTION          WHEREAS, Citizens across the Lone Star State recognize the   vital importance of organ, bone marrow, and blood donation; and          WHEREAS, Although 95 percent of adults support organ   donation, less than half of Americans are signed up to be donors;   additionally, only 2 percent of the population is on the national   registry for bone marrow, and while an estimated 38 percent of U.S.   residents are eligible to donate blood, less than 10 percent of that   group actually donates each year; and          WHEREAS, In Texas, organ donors can register online through   the Donate Life Texas organization or with the Texas Department of   Motor Vehicles driver's license application or renewal, and there   are numerous centers for bone marrow and blood donation across the   state; furthermore, under Sections 661.916-661.917, Government   Code, state employees serving as organ, bone marrow, or blood   donors are entitled to a leave of absence or sufficient time off   without a deduction in pay; and          WHEREAS, Countless men, women, and children benefit each year   from the charity and sacrifice of those who donate blood, bone   marrow, and organs, and it is incumbent on all Texans to learn about   ways to contribute to these lifesaving procedures; now, therefore,   be it          RESOLVED, That the 85th Legislature of the State of Texas   hereby encourage Texans to donate bone marrow and blood and to   register as organ donors; and, be it further          RESOLVED, That all counties and cities be encouraged to adopt   the same policy as the state with regard to time off for public   employees not to exceed 5 working days in a fiscal year to serve as a   bone marrow donor or 30 working days in a fiscal year to serve as an   organ donor, and not to exceed four times in a fiscal year to donate   blood.