Rhode Island bill would require paid time off for blood donations

ContributorMay 14, 20261 Mins read6

PROVIDENCE, R.I. — A new bill introduced at the Rhode Island State House would require employers to provide paid leave for full-time employees to make a blood donation once a year.

The legislation is being sponsored by Lammis J. Vargas and is aimed at helping boost the state’s blood supply as donation rates continue to decline nationwide following the pandemic.

Under the proposal, full-time employees working in Rhode Island would be allowed to take up to four hours of paid leave annually to donate blood through the Rhode Island Blood Center or another nationally recognized blood donation organization. Employees would need to provide reasonable notice to their employer, and the leave would remain subject to operational needs within the workplace.

Senator Vargas said the bill is intended to make blood donation easier and help ensure Rhode Island maintains a stable blood supply during emergencies and medical crises. Vargas also shared that she personally required blood transfusions during leukemia treatment and after childbirth.

The proposal has received support from the Rhode Island Blood Center, which said hospitals and patients rely heavily on volunteer donors for surgeries, trauma care, cancer treatment, childbirth emergencies, and chronic illnesses.

According to lawmakers, while roughly 60% of people are eligible to donate blood, only a small percentage actually donate, leading to recurring shortages.

The bill has already been heard before the Senate Labor and Gaming Committee. Companion legislation has also been introduced in the Rhode Island House of Representatives.

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1 Comment

DavidA says:

May 14, 2026 at 2:45 pm

Ok, good idea to increase blood supply, however the “Paid Leave” will need to be paid for. Will the employer increase their prices to pay for it or is it reimbursed by our tax dollars from the state?

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