Assemblymember Ward Introduces Legislation to Support Troops Discharged Under Trump-Era Policy

• Anthony Reyes
• (916) 319-2078
• [email protected]

SACRAMENTO, CA - Assemblymember Chris Ward (D-San Diego) introduced Assembly Bill (AB) 1775 to provide critical housing, employment, and transition-to-civilian-life support for service members being discharged from the U.S. military as a result of President Donald Trump's Executive Order (EO) 14183, which targets transgender service members.

AB 1775 responds to a rapidly unfolding crisis as transgender service members are forced out of military service under rushed, inconsistent, and chaotic timelines - often with little notice, limited guidance, and no meaningful transition support. Many of those impacted already live in California or are returning to the state following separation, placing immediate strain on housing, employment, and veterans' services.

"California has a responsibility to step in when the federal government turns its back on people who served honorably," said Assemblymember Ward. "These service members are being forced out of service not because of misconduct or performance, but because of who they are. AB 1775 ensures that California does not compound that injustice by leaving veterans without housing, jobs, or a clear path to stability."

Veterans' organizations estimate that roughly 40% of impacted service members will reside in the San Diego region, with others concentrated across Los Angeles, Sacramento, San Francisco, and rural or Northern California communities. The separation process itself has been deeply destabilizing, with service members reporting unpredictable timelines, administrative backlogs, and in some cases as little as 24 hours' notice before losing pay and benefits.

AB 1775 addresses these gaps by:

1. Prioritizing service members who experienced trauma or discrimination for the Veterans' Military Discharge Upgrade Grant Program;
2. Funding no-cost housing support services for veterans facing sudden income and employment loss; and
3. Expanding expedited state professional licensing to include veterans discharged solely as a result of EO 14183, allowing them to transition into civilian employment without unnecessary delay.

"No one who sacrificed to serve our country should face housing instability, barriers to employment, or unnecessary bureaucratic delays because of who they are," said Tony Hoang, Executive Director of Equality California, AB 1775's co-sponsor. "AB 1775 ensures that transgender service members discharged under Trump's discriminatory policies are not left behind when they return home. This bill strengthens discharge upgrade support, invests in no-cost housing services, and ensures veterans discharged solely because of their gender identity can quickly access professional licenses and regain financial stability. We are grateful to Assemblymember Ward for his leadership in advancing this important measure and for standing up for transgender veterans' dignity and future."

"Great stewardship of providing support to our veterans' community ensures that we provide for all Americans. This includes the thousands of LGBTQ+ community members who have valiantly served our country in the line of duty," said Kara Corcoran, Executive Director of SPARTA Pride, AB 1775's co-sponsor. "That is why SPARTA Pride is proud to co-sponsor this important piece of legislation. This is pivotal in our continued efforts to pave the way in promoting acceptance and inclusion in California, other states, and our armed forces."

"While DOD fails to live up to the foundational military ethos of never leaving your comrade behind, the California Legislature is stepping up to fill gaps for transitioning California veterans. As the Trump Administration warps federal policy to blatantly discriminate against qualified and honorable service members and veterans simply because of who they are and who they love, California is strengthening programs that provide LGBTQ+ veterans with transitional housing, remove bureaucracy, and grant faster professional licenses for skills they already have, in order to thrive in their new civilian careers ," said Luke Schleusener, CEO of Out in National Security, AB 1775's co-sponsor. "Out in National Security (ONS) is proud to co-sponsor this bill, and we thank Assemblymember Ward for his strong support of equality across our national security workforce. We encourage other states to follow California's trailblazing example of standing up to discrimination, not just with words, but with concrete actions to improve the lives of LGBTQ+ service members, vets, and their families."

AB 1775 reinforces California's longstanding commitment to veterans, equality, and public service by preventing avoidable homelessness, unemployment, and long-term instability among those harmed by discriminatory federal actions.