Bill puts family members first for organ donations

Family members would be first in line for donated kidneys, corneas and tissue if a Nevada bill passes.

A senate committee on Thursday passed SB337, which revises the state's organ donation law to specify that eligible relatives get first priority when a gift is made. Existing law provides that donated organs go to organ banks.

Reno resident Ron Cooper testified that after his kidneys failed last year, he was placed on a waiting list that was five to seven years long. A donated kidney from his wife saved his life.

The bill prioritizes relatives to the fourth degree of consanguinity, which includes cousins and great-great-grandparents. Bill co-sponsor Republican Sen. Ben Kieckhefer says the bill will make organ donation more attractive.

SB337 now heads to the Senate floor for a vote.