Governor Newsom Signs Majority of Equality California’s 2025 Priority Bills, But Misses Opportunities to Protect LGBTQ+ Californians Amid Escalating Federal Attacks

SACRAMENTO, Calif. - Confronting a wave of extremist, anti-LGBTQ+ attacks from the Trump administration, Governor Gavin Newsom signed seven of Equality California's priority bills this session - advancing critical protections for LGBTQ+ Californians. These new laws will strengthen protections for transgender and nonbinary people, safeguard privacy, support LGBTQ+ families, and promote dignity and fairness in housing and the workplace. The Governor vetoed two priority measures that would have strengthened access to healthcare and HIV prevention. Together, these actions represent both meaningful progress and disappointing missed opportunities at a time when California's leadership is needed most.

"When the Trump administration is weaponizing the federal government to target LGBTQ+ people, roll back civil rights protections, and attack our democracy, California's leadership remains more critical than ever," said Equality California Executive Director Tony Hoang. "We are grateful to Governor Newsom for signing seven lifesaving measures that will expand opportunity and protect our most vulnerable community members. These new laws demonstrate that, even in the face of growing federal hostility, California continues to stand on the side of equality, dignity, and freedom for all. We are especially thankful to the members of the California Legislative LGBTQ Caucus, pro-equality lawmakers, and allied organizations for their unwavering leadership and partnership in advancing these critical protections.

At the same time, we are deeply disappointed that Governor Newsom chose to veto AB 554 and SB 418 - two commonsense measures that would have removed barriers to HIV prevention and safeguarded access to care for transgender Californians," continued Hoang. "As the Trump administration doubles down on its efforts to restrict access to care for transgender people and dismantle federal protections for HIV prevention, California should be doing everything possible to protect those most at risk. These bills would have guaranteed that transgender people and their families could continue to access essential medications without disruption and that people at risk of HIV could obtain PrEP quickly and affordably. The Governor's decision to veto these measures undermines California's longstanding leadership in advancing health equity and protecting the LGBTQ+ community."

Equality California-Sponsored Bills Signed by Governor Newsom:

AB 82 (Ward): Protecting Health Data and Safety

Protects transgender people and those seeking reproductive healthcare by restricting the sharing of sensitive prescription data and strengthening safeguards for patients and providers against harassment and violence.

AB 678 (Lee): Ensuring Safe and Inclusive Housing

Requires the state to take proactive steps to ensure homelessness programs provide safe, affirming, and culturally competent services for LGBTQ+ people amid eroding federal protections.

AB 1084 (Zbur): Streamlining Access to Accurate IDs

Expedites the process for transgender and nonbinary Californians to obtain court-ordered name and gender marker changes, ensuring timely access to accurate IDs essential for safety and everyday life.

SB 59 (Wiener): Safeguarding Transgender Privacy

Makes court records for legal name and gender marker changes confidential, protecting transgender and nonbinary people from harassment and violence amid escalating anti-trans attacks.

SB 450 (Menjivar): Protecting LGBTQ+ Family Rights

Allows LGBTQ+ parents from other states to confirm their parentage rights in California courts if their child was born here, safeguarding families amid growing national hostility.

SB 497 (Wiener): Strengthening Transgender Shield Laws

Prohibits out-of-state law enforcement from obtaining or sharing sensitive prescription data without a warrant and bars providers from complying with out-of-state subpoenas seeking information about transgender patients.

SB 590 (Durazo): Expanding Inclusive Paid Family Leave

Expands California's Paid Family Leave program to include chosen and extended family, guaranteeing workers the ability to care for loved ones beyond traditional family definitions.

Equality California-Sponsored Bills Vetoed by Governor Newsom:

AB 554 (González): Expanding Access to HIV Prevention

Would have guaranteed access to groundbreaking PrEP medications without cost-sharing or insurance barriers like prior authorization, safeguarding access to HIV prevention regardless of federal rollbacks.

SB 418 (Menjivar): Protecting Access to Healthcare

Would have codified federal nondiscrimination protections in California law and expanded access to care for transgender people by requiring health plans to cover 12-month prescriptions for hormone therapy.

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