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City Council urges support for AB 25 to expand domestic-partnership rights
Summary
The Los Angeles City Council voted to support AB 25, a state bill expanding domestic-partnership rights, and authorized the city to transmit the resolution to the governor and other officials.
The Los Angeles City Council on Sept. 21 unanimously approved a resolution supporting Assembly Bill 25, legislation to expand the legal rights of registered domestic partners.
Councilmember Eric Garcetti, speaking at the special meeting, summarized AB 25’s provisions: the bill would clarify that domestic partners may relocate without losing unemployment benefits; file disability claims to care for an incapacitated partner; access employer-based health coverage for partners; be included in certain state tax exemptions for health benefits; make medical decisions and access hospital visitation rights; serve as conservators and administer estates; sue for wrongful death on behalf of a partner; and permit registration of domestic partnerships where one or both partners are age 62 or older. Garcetti said the expansion benefits people of all ages and is not limited to same-sex couples.
Why it matters: The council described AB 25 as a statewide expansion of rights for domestic partners that would affect employment, health benefits, tax treatment, and elder cohabitation rights. Supporters told the council the governor indicated willingness to sign the bill that year.
Vote and next steps: The council adopted the resolution supporting AB 25 and authorized transmittal of the city’s position; the committee vote was recorded as 11 ayes.
Ending: The approved resolution will be sent to the mayor's office for further action and to state officials as the city’s formal position on AB 25.
