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A bill to expand eligibility for a certain type of blood donation to 16- and 17-year-olds was unanimously approved by the House on Wednesday, March 24.

SB 5179, sponsored by State Sen. Marko Liias (D-Everett) would allow people ages 16 and 17 to donate blood through the apheresis process with parental or guardian permission.

Under current law, 16- and 17-year-olds can donate whole blood with parental or guardian permission, however they cannot donate blood through the process known as apheresis, which is used for platelet donations.

Liias was inspired to introduce this legislation after...