SB 959: Trans-inclusive care: resources and support services.

Existing law establishes the California Health and Human Services Agency, which includes the State Department of Public Health, among other state departments charged with the administration of health, social, and other human services. Existing law requires the agency to convene a working group of representatives to develop a quality standard for patient experience related to the transgender, gender diverse, or intersex (TGI) community and to recommend training curriculum to provide trans-inclusive health care.

This bill would require the agency, or an entity designated by the agency, on or before July 1, 2025, January 1, 2026, to create an internet website website, or update its existing internet website, where the public can access information and resources to support TGI individuals and their families in accessing trans-inclusive health care and other support services in the state, including, but not limited to, a general description of trans-inclusive health care, information on how to access directories of providers providing gender-affirming services, and resources for victims of hate incidents and hate crimes.

The bill would require the agency to consult with specified subject matter experts experts, the Civil Rights Department, and the Department of Justice in creating the internet website. The bill would also require the agency, in consultation with subject matter experts, to maintain the website and review the available information and resources to ensure the website is current and updated at reasonable intervals, but no less than once every year. The bill would authorize the agency to accept donations for the purpose of supporting and maintaining the internet website, and would make those donations available upon appropriation by the Legislature for that purpose.