Missouri Senate passes organ donation tax check off

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) - The Missouri Senate has voted to let people contribute to the state's organ donation program when they file their taxes.

The legislation would add a check-box to state income tax forms allowing individuals to donate $2 or more to the Organ Donor Program Fund. People filing combined returns would be able to donate $4 or more.

The Senate's vote sends the measure to Gov. Jay Nixon.

The organ donation program has been funded through contributions people make when they renew their vehicle registration. But that funding has declined as people choose to register vehicles every two years instead of annually.

Officials estimate the check-off could bring in more than $100,000 a year to the state's organ donation program.