TransFamily Support Services is proud to co-sponsor five critical trans rights bills that have officially passed the California Legislature. This is a major victory—one made possible through a powerful collective effort. We’re especially proud to highlight the tireless work of our partners at Alliance for TransYouth Rights who have pushed these bills forward, from lobbying on the ground to uplifting the voices of those affected and facilitating every step in between.

These bills include:

  • SB 418 (Menjivar) – Ensure Equal Access to Care for All: SB 418 strengthens protections against discrimination in any health program or activity receiving government funding, ensuring equal access to care for all Californians. It closes gaps by prohibiting health plans from excluding participation based on race, color, national origin, age, disability, or sex, and specifically expands access to prescription hormone therapy by requiring pharmacists to dispense up to a 12-month supply when medically necessary. The bill also requires health plans to cover a 12-month refill of hormone therapy obtained at one time, helping safeguard continuity of care for transgender individuals and other vulnerable communities.

 

  • AB 82 (Ward) – Health Data Privacy and Safety: AB 82 strengthens legal protections and privacy rights for transgender individuals, healthcare providers, and their families. It expands confidentiality safeguards for the exchange of healthcare information, ensuring that those seeking or providing gender-affirming care are shielded from retaliation, harassment, and surveillance. By reinforcing the right to medical privacy, AB 82 helps protect trans communities and affirms California’s commitment to equality, safety, and inclusion.

 

  • SB 59 (Wiener) – Transgender Privacy Act: SB 59 protects the privacy and safety of transgender and nonbinary Californians by requiring courts to automatically seal records related to name and gender marker changes, codifying the In re M.T. (2024) ruling. While previous protections under AB 223 applied to minors, SB 59 closes critical gaps by extending these safeguards to adults and prohibiting the public posting of such records by anyone other than the petitioner. This bill ensures trans and nonbinary individuals can pursue legal identity changes without fear of being outed, discriminated against, or harmed.

 

  • SB 497 (Wiener) – Transgender State of Refuge: SB 497 strengthens privacy protections for transgender and nonbinary individuals accessing healthcare in California. It requires law enforcement to obtain a warrant before accessing the state’s prescription drug database (CURES) and establishes criminal penalties for unauthorized access or disclosure of this data. By closing a loophole that previously allowed warrantless access to prescription records, including those related to gender-affirming care, SB 497 ensures stronger safeguards for sensitive medical information.

 

  • AB 1084 (Zbur) – The Transgender Records Act: AB 1084 streamlines and expedites the process for trans and nonbinary Californians to obtain court orders for name and gender marker changes. Starting July 1, 2026, adult petitions to change a name to conform with gender identity must be granted without a hearing and within six weeks (subject to existing fraud safeguards). For minors, courts must grant the change within six weeks without a hearing if all living parents sign; if not, notice is required and a hearing occurs only if a timely objection shows good cause. The bill also simplifies related updates to birth and marriage records and removes the 30-day deadline for filing court judgments with vital records, reducing delays and administrative burdens.

 

Now, these bills have reached the final stage. Governor Newsom must sign them into law, and we need your help to urge him to do so.

As trans rights face growing attacks nationwide and federal protections are rolled back, California must continue to lead the way. Our state has long set the standard for LGBTQ+ protections, and we expect our leaders to uphold those values. When the federal government fails to protect us, we look to our state to have our back.

We’re calling on our allies and supporters in California to take action now and contact Governor Newsom to encourage him to sign these life-saving bills. The deadline to submit comments is October 12th.

Here’s how to contact Governor Gavin Newsom:

  • Mail a letter to:
    Governor Gavin Newsom
    1021 O Street, Suite 9000
    Sacramento, CA 95814

 

  • Call the Governor’s Office:
    (916) 445-2841
    Suggested script: “Hello, I’m calling to urge Governor Newsom to promptly sign [insert bill number]. It is critical that we protect trans youth, their families, and the healthcare providers who support them. California must continue to lead the nation in defending the rights and well-being of trans individuals. Swift action on this bill will help protect lives. Thank you.”

 

  • Email a letter to:
    leg.unit@gov.ca.gov
    Include the bill number(s) in the subject line and a brief message of support.

 

  • Submit a comment on the Governor’s website:
    • Visit https://www.gov.ca.gov/contact/
    • Select the topic: Legislation issue/concern
    • Set stance: Pro
    • Message subject: Signature Request for SB 59 (Wiener), AB 82 (Ward), SB 497(Wiener), AB 1084 (Zbur) and SB 418 (Menjivar)
    • Write your message (limit 6000 characters)
    • Fill out your name and email
    • Click Submit

 

Your voice matters, and taking action now is vitally important. Let’s continue to stand for our community and keep California at the forefront of trans rights and safety.

With strength and solidarity, 

Team TFSS

Please note: Comments left on this blog do not go to Governor Newsom. To make sure your message is received, you must submit your comment directly through the Governor’s official website or use one of the alternate options detailed above.