Bill protecting transgender healthcare awaits Governor’s signature

(FOX40.COM) — The California Legislature passed Senator Scott Wiener’s SB 497 on Thursday to strengthen landmark legal protections for the state’s transgender community.

The Assembly voted 56-14, and the Senate 30-10; however, the bill awaits the Governor’s approval, which will be passed or vetoed by Oct. 13.

The bill will restate California’s Transgender State of Refuge, which protects individuals from outside laws or actors targeting transgender individuals in the state, according to Wiener.

“California must do everything in our power to protect the transgender community, and I’m confident that the Governor will continue his longstanding leadership on trans issues,” Wiener said.

The senator previously authored SB 107 in 2022, which established California’s Transgender State of Refuge after being signed into law by Gov. Gavin Newsom. His new bill would only reaffirm the commitment to treating all California residents with dignity and respect.

If Wiener’s new bill is passed, it will impose penalties for individuals who attempt to access the state’s sensitive medical data without a warrant. Wiener explained that the bill will further protect the healthcare and safety of transgender individuals as well as their healthcare providers.

The senator said a recent study found that testosterone prescription data in state databases was accessible to law enforcement without basic safeguards, like warrants or subpoenas, in nearly half of the states, which included California.

SB497 will require warrants for law enforcement requests of California’s healthcare database. Weiner states that it will further expand transgender shield laws so healthcare providers do not have to comply with subpoenas to disclose medical information related to gender-affirming healthcare.

Wiener co-authored SB 497 with seven California Senators, including West Sacramento representative Chris Cabaldon. The bill is sponsored by the Trans Family Support Services, TransYouth Liberation, Planned Parenthood, and Equality California.