EXPLANATION – Matter in bolded italics is new; matter between brackets [omitted material] is material to be omitted. Green numbers along left margin indicate location on the printed bill (e.g., 5-15 indicates page 5, line 15).

1-1 Whereas, There is a critical shortage of donor organs and tissues

1-2 available for transplantation in the United States; and

1-3 Whereas, A national survey recently revealed that although 87 percent

1-4 of the population in the United States support organ and tissue donation,

1-5 only 50 percent of those surveyed have told a family member or friend

1-6 about their decision; and

1-7 Whereas, Four out of five people mistakenly believe that a signed

1-8 donor card is all that is required for donation and are not aware that the

1-9 legal next-of-kin must sign a consent form; and

1-10 Whereas, Even if a person has agreed to donate his organs and tissues,

1-11 most donors are unaware that it is possible for their donation to be offered

1-12 first to any transplant candidate living in Nevada under a procedure known

1-13 as "directed donation"; and

1-14 Whereas, Without "directed donation," any donated organ or tissue

1-15 originating in Nevada is shipped to a procurement agency in California;

1-16 and

2-1 Whereas, Because of the overwhelming need of organs and tissues in

2-2 California, Nevadans often are not able to receive donated organs in a

2-3 timely fashion; now, therefore, be it

2-4 Resolved by the Assembly of the State of Nevada, the Senate

2-5 Concurring, That members of the Legislature of the State of Nevada do

2-6 hereby urge and encourage all Nevadans to notify family members that

2-7 they want any organ or tissue donation to be directed first to transplant

2-8 candidates who are residents of Nevada.