Bill > SB573

This bill amends the Public School Code of 1949 to require the Department of Education, in cooperation with the Department of Health, to establish a blood donation education unit for 11th and 12th-grade students. The mandatory instruction will be integrated into existing health courses and must cover three main components: physiology of blood and the circulatory system, education about blood donation needs and procedures, and encouragement of blood donation participation. The unit will explain the importance of blood donation, including when and why donated blood is needed, how blood is collected and stored, and specific examples of how blood donations help individuals. Students will be taught about the personal and community benefits of donating blood. The bill allows students to be excused from the instruction for religious reasons, ensuring no penalty for opting out, and requires the State Board of Education to develop regulations for implementing this new educational requirement. The legislation will take effect 60 days after its passage, aimed at increasing awareness and potentially future participation in blood donation among high school students.

Education

https://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/bill_history.cfm?syear=2025&sind=0&body=S&type=B&bn=573