South Dakota House Bill HB1170

South Dakota 2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/28/26
• Refer: 1/28/26
• Report Pass: 2/10/26

Caption

Allow online access to verify registry status for organ donation.

Impact

If enacted, HB 1170 will amend section 34-26-67 of the South Dakota statutes, which governs the state's donor registry. One major impact of the bill is that it will require the Department of Public Safety to establish or contract for an updated donor registry, in conjunction with federally designated organ procurement organizations and other nonprofit donation agencies. This collaboration aims to ensure that the donor registry is accurate, up-to-date, and capable of efficiently servicing the needs of both donors and medical personnel involved in organ retrieval and transplantation.

Summary

House Bill 1170 seeks to enhance the organ donation process in South Dakota by allowing online access for individuals to verify their registration status as organ donors. The primary aim of the bill is to modernize the existing donor registry system, thus enabling individuals to register, amend, and revoke their donor status electronically at any time. This would significantly streamline the process for potential donors and make it easier for medical professionals to confirm a donor's status during critical times when organ donation decisions may need to be made quickly.

Contention

While supporters of HB 1170 advocate for the convenience and accessibility it offers, concerns may arise surrounding the privacy of individuals' health information. The bill stipulates that personally identifiable information related to a donor's registration cannot be disclosed without express consent, aiming to protect donor privacy. Nonetheless, the execution of these privacy measures and the safeguards in place might spark debate about the balance between improving organ donation rates and ensuring the confidentiality of personal medical choices.