Assembly committee advances AB 82 to shield gender‑affirming care records and protect providers

A California Assembly committee on Wednesday voted to advance AB 82, legislation sponsored by Assemblymember Ward that would tighten privacy protections for people seeking and providing gender‑affirming health care and limit reporting of some prescriptions to the state prescription drug monitoring program.

Supporters told the Assembly Public Safety Committee the bill responds to rising harassment and threats against providers and patients. "It is imperative that we support the privacy and safety of patients and their families," Assemblymember Ward said while presenting the measure, arguing the bill is needed because "there is a growing national attack on individuals' rights, including the right for people to access legal health services such as reproductive and gender…