The signed legislation will ensure that the Trevor Project hotline number is included on every California student ID card. (photo courtesy of the office of Gavin Newsom)

Gov. Gavin Newsom announced he signed AB 727 into law on Oct. 10, requiring student ID cards in California’s public middle schools, high schools and colleges to include the phone number for The Trevor Project, a leading crisis and suicide prevention hotline for LGBTQ youth.

The bill, introduced by Assemblymember Mark González (D-Los Angeles), comes as the Trump administration removes LGBTQ suicide prevention programs and funding. AB 727 builds on California’s 2018 suicide prevention ID card law by adding a targeted, affirming resource for LGBTQ students – many of whom face elevated risk for mental health challenges due to verbal, physical and online harassment.

According to the Trevor Project, 35% of LGBTQ youth in California seriously considered suicide in the past year, and half who wanted mental health care did not receive it.

“When Donald Trump and the federal government turn their backs on LGBTQ+ youth, California steps up,” González said. “With the signing of AB 727, we’re sending a clear message: our LGBTQ+ youth are seen, valued and never alone. AB 727 is not just a piece of legislation; it is a lifeline for our queer youth. Thank you, Gov. Newsom, for standing with us to protect and affirm every young person in California.”

The Trevor Project is the leading suicide prevention and crisis intervention nonprofit organization for LGBTQ youth. Their hotline provides 24/7 confidential and secure services by trained counselors to youth who seek mental health support through chat, text or call – making it a reliable resource for all. The Trevor Project is also an avenue for advocacy, education, peer support and research for the LGBTQ community. Their services reach all parts of the nation and contribute to the larger fight for more inclusive communities.

In July, California announced a new partnership with the Trevor Project to provide the state’s 988 crisis counselors enhanced competency training from experts, ensuring better attunement to the needs of LGBTQ youth, on top of the specific training they already receive.

For information, visit leginfo.legislature.ca.gov.