Approved Missouri Guard organ donors would keep pay if funded

The Missouri National Guard department would issue paid donor orders to approved members. Missouri Guard members in Troop Program Unit or Individual Ready Reserve status could apply. Members must be in good standing, state the donation type, and agree to surgery at a health care facility approved to provide education for transplant certification. They must lack paid leave from an employer for organ donation or choose not to use it. Lawmakers must fund the program, and enough money must be available. Paid time would cover medically needed testing, surgery, and recovery for up to 45 days unless the surgical and recovery team finds that more time is needed.

The state would keep money for the donor program in a dedicated fund. Money in the fund could pay only the Guard donor program's benefits. The fund could receive money set aside by lawmakers, along with gifts, grants, and other contributions. Lawmakers must set aside money before the fund can pay program benefits. Unused money would stay in the fund at the end of a two-year budget period.