Rep. Shepard files bill in North Carolina House to add organ donation option to tax returns

A new bill filed by State Rep. Phil Shepard seeks to expand organ donation enrollment options by including an election on state income tax returns, according to the North Carolina State House.

The bill, filed as HB 565 on March 27 during the 2025 regular session, was formally listed with the short title: ‘Check Yes, Save Lives.’

The following is our breakdown, based on the actual bill text, and may include interpretation to clarify its provisions.

In essence, this bill allows North Carolina taxpayers to enroll in the state’s organ donation program through their income tax returns, starting with tax years beginning on or after Jan. 1, 2026. The income tax return form will include a section enabling filers to elect to become organ donors, with information provided about the anatomical gift process and amending or revoking enrollment under the Revised Uniform Anatomical Gift Act. The bill also integrates this tax return election method into existing organ donation procedures, which include drivers’ licenses, wills, and communications during terminal illnesses. Additionally, the Department of Revenue and the Division of Motor Vehicles will coordinate to ensure the Organ Donor Registry is regularly updated and fully aligned with the act’s objectives.

Of the four sponsors of this bill, Cody Huneycutt proposed the most bills (28) during the 2025 regular session.

Bills in North Carolina follow a multi-step process before becoming law. A lawmaker starts by filing a bill, which is assigned to a committee for review. The bill must be read three times in each chamber. If one chamber changes the bill after the other passes it, both must agree on the final version. Once both chambers approve the same bill, it goes to the governor, who has 10 days (or 30 if the legislature is not in session) to sign, veto, or let it become law without a signature.

You can read more about the bills and other measures here.

Shepard, a Republican, was elected to the North Carolina State House in 2011 to represent the state’s 15th House district, replacing previous state representative Robert Grady.