Check Your Heart Act is the first of its kind in the nation.
Groundbreaking legislation to bolster the Michigan Organ Donor Registry became law on Tuesday with Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s signature on the Check Your Heart Act, clearing the way for residents to sign up as organ, eye and tissue donors on their state income tax forms next year.
“We hope that adding this unique and easy way for residents to document their decision to save and heal lives will help grow the Donor Registry,” said Dorrie Dils, president and CEO of Gift of Life Michigan, the nonprofit organization that facilitates organ and tissue donation for the state. “The Donor Registry has struggled some since the COVID-19 pandemic for a host of reasons. We’re so hopeful residents will check the box as they file their taxes in the spring.”
If you already have the red heart insignia on your driver’s license or state ID, there’s no need to register again, although there is no harm in doing so. Residents can still register at a Secretary of State branch office in person or on the state’s website.
