Fairfax County high school students spearheaded a bill that will allow Virginia residents to indicate blood type on their driver’s license.

Sen. George L. Barker (D-Fairfax) introduced Senate Bill 345 during the regular General Assembly session. The Senate and House approved the bill, which will take effect in July 2023.

Residents will be able to indicate blood type on their license or identification cards to help emergency medical service agencies provide emergency medical support.

“I don’t think this will be something that would be used very widely, but it has been used sometimes and in other states,” Barker said.

He has worked with Centre-ville High School government students every year since he took office in 2008, he said. Each year students research necessary legislation. They look at passed legislation and what other states have done. Students present about eight bills for consideration for the General Assembly each session, according to Barker.

Jay O’Brien, the ...