Special Notice / Hearing: None__
Vote Required: Majority
To: Honorable Board of Supervisors
From: Supervisor Dave Pine, District 1
Supervisor Carole Groom, District 2
Subject: Adopt a resolution in support of SB 107 (Wiener) Gender-affirming health care.
RECOMMENDATION:
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Adopt a resolution in support of Senate Bill 107 (Wiener), a bill regarding gender-affirming health care.
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BACKGROUND:
In response to a recent proliferation of laws and executive actions around the country that restrict the ability of transgender youth to obtain gender-affirming medical treatment, California State Senator Scott Wiener introduced Senate Bill (SB) 107. This bill establishes California as a refuge for transgender and gender-diverse youth and their families to secure care without facing criminal or civil penalties.
Specifically, the bill would prohibit health care providers and service plans, law enforcement agencies, and legal entities across the state from providing sensitive medical information, participating in arrests, and issuing subpoenas in proceedings that relate to another state’s law that interferes with a person’s right to allow a child to receive gender-affirming health care.
DISCUSSION:
SB 107, the gender-affirming health care bill, would offer opportunities for individuals who identify as Transgender or gender-diverse to seek health care in California without fear of legal repercussions even from states that have criminalized such care.
The County of San Mateo has a long history of supporting the LGBTQ+ community and the Transgender community. The County of San Mateo has sustained an active LGBTQ+ Commission, which is the first of its kind in the state, and supports the development of the County's Pride Center, now in its fifth year. In addition, this Board and the County have established a Transgender Policy and Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity and Expression (SOGIE) training for employees. This is honored via proclamation of an annual Transgender Day of Remembrance that includes raising the Transgender Flag and offering transgender-oriented health care for County clients.
The LGBTQ+ Commission has requested the Board of Supervisors to adopt a resolution in support of this legislation.
A complete analysis of the proposed legislation can be found in the attached form.
The County Attorney’s Office has reviewed and approved the resolution as to form.
FISCAL IMPACT:
None.