Five bills sponsored by Equality California (EQCA) that address serious gaps in civil rights protections for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender Californians have advanced from their houses of origin. All five bills focus on the mental or physical well-being of LGBT adults and youth.

“These bills go a long way toward reducing many of the disparities in health and well-being suffered by the LGBT community compared to the general population,” EQCA executive director Rick Zbur said. “We’re pleased that lawmakers understand the importance of making sure that all children are safe and respected, and that all Californians have equal access to quality healthcare.”

AB 959, authored by Assemblyman David Chiu (D-San Francisco) would require government agencies to collect data on sexual orientation and gender identity whenever additional demographic data is collected. Collecting the data will help indicate the extent to which LGBT people are experiencing disparities in health and well-being and whether government programs are reaching those in need.

AB 827, authored by Assemblyman Patrick O’Donnell (D-Long Beach) would create more supportive and safer learning environments for LGBT students by giving teachers new tools to assist LGBT students in the coming out process or in combating bullying.

AB 329, authored by Assemblywoman Shirley Weber (D-San Diego) would update and strengthen existing law to ensure that students receive sex education that is comprehensive, medically accurate, age-appropriate and inclusive. EQCA is co-sponsoring AB 329 with American Civil Liberties Union of California, California Latinas for Reproductive Justice, Forward Together and Planned Parenthood Affiliates of California.

SB 703, authored by Sen. Mark Leno (D-San Francisco) prohibits state agencies from doing business with companies that fail to offer transgender employees the same healthcare coverage and benefits they offer all other workers. A third of transgender people report being denied healthcare coverage.

Another bill authored by Leno, SB 731, would require child welfare workers placing youth in foster homes to take a young person’s gender identity into account. The bill is designed to ensure that all foster youth, including those who identify as transgender, are placed in appropriate homes where they feel safe and accepted.