Committee approves measure to codify anti‑discrimination protections and allow year‑long hormone prescriptions
Summary
SB 418 would codify federal‑style civil‑rights protections into state law and allow providers to prescribe up to 12 months of medically‑necessary hormone therapy; the Assembly Health Committee referred the bill as amended to Business and Professions amid vocal public testimony both for and against the measure.
SB 418 passed the Assembly Health Committee and was referred to the Business and Professions Committee after a contested hearing featuring extensive public testimony on gender‑affirming care and insurance coverage for hormone therapy.
The bill’s author described two primary aims: codifying Section 1557‑style anti‑discrimination protections for state‑funded health programs and allowing providers to prescribe up to 12 months of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) when medically necessary, similar to prior policies that allowed 12‑month contraceptive supplies. "People are stockpiling hormones...they're rationing their hormones, and they're seeking care in an unregulated market," the author said, arguing the change would promote continuity of care and reduce interruptions that can cause harm.
Supporters included IVF patients, trans‑family advocacy organizations and medical groups. Christine Smith, a patient and advocate, recounted fertility care and use of estrogen in assisted reproduction; Jonathan Clay of Trans Family Support Services said families fear a rollback of care and that extended supplies can prevent disruptions while legal challenges play out.
Opponents — including speakers identifying with CAUSE (Californians United for Science‑Based Evidence) and other groups — warned the bill would “force insurers to pay” for gender‑affirming treatments they consider harmful or insufficiently evidenced and argued that the statute could conflict with federal executive action. Speakers urged the committee to vote no. Other witnesses raised legal and financial questions about possible federal funding implications and provider risk.
Committee members discussed continuity of care, equity and the potential for federal‑state conflict; several members expressed support for the bill’s goal of avoiding mid‑treatment interruptions. The committee recorded a roll call and advanced SB 418 to Business and Professions with amendments; the record shows Chen voted no on the final roll call in committee, while other members supported referral.
