April 22nd, 2025
The Honorable Jesse Arreguín
Senate Public Safety Committee
1020 N Street, Room 545
Sacramento, CA 95814
Re: Support for Senate Bill 497 (Weiner)
Dear Chair Arreguín,
LGBTQ+ Inclusivity, Visibility, and Empowerment (LIVE) is pleased to support SB 497 (Weiner), legislation that protects an individual’s rights to gender-affirming care by:
1) prohibiting the disclosure of information related to an individual’s gender-affirming care to out-of-state entities, and
2) limiting the sharing of data from the Controlled Substances Utilization Review and Evaluation System (CURES), as it may be used to identify individuals receiving gender-affirming care.
LIVE is a program of changemakers that celebrates LGBTQ+ diversity and creates a more inclusive world where LGBTQ+ community members can live authentically. LIVE creates positive change by uplifting and empowering individuals to bolster their voices in policy, stigma reduction and unifying community. LIVE is committed to advocating for the health, wellness, and rights of the LGBTQ+ community, ensuring that all individuals can thrive without facing discrimination or barriers to their livelihood.
Anti-transgender laws continue to rise across the nation, prohibiting the utilization of essential services, facilities, and healthcare aligned with people’s gender identity. These laws are aimed at erasing the transgender community, denying their entire existence. California is a sanctuary state for the LGBTQ+ community, protecting them from discriminatory policies and ensuring access to care. This bill further strengthens California as a sanctuary for the LGBTQ+ community by protecting people who come from out of state to seek gender-affirming care. By ceasing coordination with out of state entities and prohibiting data sharing related to gender affirming care, this bill ensures individuals can seek care without fear of civil or criminal prosecution.
It is for these reasons that LIVE supports SB 497 (Weiner) and asks for your “Aye” vote. If you have any questions, or if LIVE can provide assistance on this bill or any other legislation, please do not hesitate to contact me at agaribaymena@mhac.org or our Public Policy Coordinator, Danny Thirakul, at dthirakul@mhac.org.
In Community,
Anthony Garibay-Mena
LGBTQ+ Inclusivity, Visibility, and Empowerment
Program Manager
